In Your Presence Is Fullness of Joy

In Your Presence Is Fullness of Joy

 

Presents to buy, Presents to wrap, Groceries to buy, Parties to attend, People to see, Wishes to fill, So much to do, so little time! We might have begun the Christmas season with the intent of finding joy this year, yet lost our good intentions somewhere between our children's case of the "gimmies" and the crowded parking lots at the mall. Where is the joy we sing about in all those Christmas carols? Where is the Christmas spirit we are supposed to have?

 

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:1. As our verse tells us today, it's not in any of those things that fill our days this time of year. It's not in the candy-streaked faces of our little children. It's not in the guilt we feel that we can't possibly see all the family we want to. It's not even in those moments of giving or serving our families. We can't manufacture joy, or create eternal pleasures, though we try so hard to. Oh, we might get glimpses of joy--but we won't experience the fullness of joy unless we immerse ourselves in God's presence.

 

Next, spend a few minutes praying, marking the beginning of a conversation that will go on throughout the day. Then go and begin your day, taking God's presence with you. When stress mounts, ask Him for peace. When chaos reigns, ask Him for clarity. When anger boils, ask Him for gentleness.