Our Scripture reading today is Psalm 16:9-11.
Verse 11, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
The moment we trust in Jesus Christ death, burial and resurrection, we are given the Holy Spirit to indwell us until the day we die. He will never leave us. The Holy Spirit brings with Him the Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) One piece of this fruit is JOY. Joy is not the same as happiness. The circumstances that come and go in our lives will affect our happiness, but not our joy. Being a joyful Christian has nothing to do with a raise at work, perfect health, or a brand new car. These would all cause someone to be very happy.
A Christian could lose their job, find out they have an incurable disease, and their car engine could die and not lose their JOY. Joy is found in the presence of the Lord, not in the presence of possessions. Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Every day is a new day to allow the joy of the Lord to be our strength!
Your Friend,
Pastor