What is your image of God? Is He confident, powerful, and joyful? Or is He threatening, angry, and aggressive? Is He present and enthusiastic? Or is He indifferent and passive? Chances are that the Lord mirrors your perception of your earthly father.
If your earthly father was present, capable, and affectionate then you are more likely to believe that God is the same for you. If he was absent, mean, or unresponsive then that is your view of God. If your earthly father was fearful, weak, or passive them most likely you don’t see God as a strong and capable God.
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. Psalm 21:6 (NIV)
Since in God’s presence there is joy and gladness, then it means God is glad and joyful! He is happy, relaxed, and confident.
If you are a Christian, you’re are God’s child, and He is pleased to be with you. Don’t we get excited when we see our children!? We yearn to embrace them and love on them. When our children are in our presence, they know they will be showered with love and blessings. God has so much joy that when we are in His presence, His joy can overflow and overtake us.
God has no worries or fears. He has no insecurities or uncertainties. His desire is to have fellowship with us just as He did with Adam (before the Fall) and with Jesus (during His earthly ministry). The Lord has done His part in making His love known to us. It’s our job to run to Him, receive the embrace of Abba Father, and enjoy His joyful presence!
Furthermore, Psalm 16:11 reminds us that God will show us the right way of handling life. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but our God is a giver of life. It is His desire for us to have life to the full measure (see John 10:10). God is not looking to just make us happy momentarily. He desires to help us build a solid and abundant life in Him, and joy is included in the package deal!
Sit quietly before the Lord and meditate on the above scriptures. Allow Him to fill you with joy and wisdom in His presence!
2 thoughts on “The Gift of Joy (Part I)”
Susan N.
God loves us so much and is overjoyed to be our Father that He sacrificed for us as we do for our kids. He rejoices over us and laughs over us just like that dad is. He wants only the best for us, and He is always available, more than any earthly father can ever be. Bless the Lord!
God loves us so much and is overjoyed to be our Father that He sacrificed for us as we do for our kids. He rejoices over us and laughs over us just like that dad is. He wants only the best for us, and He is always available, more than any earthly father can ever be. Bless the Lord!
Amen! That’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing Susan.