Year of the Bible: Week 17
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:9-11 ESV
This week, we find ourselves reading several different Psalms written by David. An emphasis that we see repeated by David is the presence of God. Psalm 16 and Psalm 21 show us that a life with God is better than anything else. Our contentment is grounded in who God is and not what He can give us. The joy that God brings us is different. It does not come from whatever circumstances we may be in but through our faith and hope in Christ. We can have comfort in knowing that we are in His presence through every obstacle or victory we experience. Thankfully, as Christ followers, we don’t have to go far to experience the presence of God, the Holy Spirit is all around us. The Holy Spirit lives inside of YOU.
6 For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. Psalm 21:6 ESV
David was more thrilled with the presence of God than with the crown of royalty.
For David, it was the presence of God Himself that was his greatest blessing and gladness. David was more thrilled with the presence of God than with the crown of royalty. What David knew that we have to understand is that living in God’s presence isn’t reserved for special moments or specific places. The joy within God’s presence is true and lasting. Great joy and fulfillment can be found within God’s presence!
So how do we dwell in God’s presence?
- Daily Prayer – Communicate with God, express gratitude, seek His guidance, and surrender your worries.
- Open His Word – Spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word. It’s full of wisdom, encouragement, and truth.
- Worship His Name – Our worship expression creates a place for us to encounter and experience God. Let’s approach God with heartfelt gratitude and reverence.
- Serve – Serving others is a way to experience God’s presence and demonstrate faith, as Jesus taught that serving others is serving Him.
- Slow Down and Make Space – We get to enjoy God’s presence when we eliminate our constant hurrying.
- The House of God – Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Experiencing God’s presence involves cultivating a relationship with Him. Let’s not forget to make time for God. David shows us in His presence there is fullness of joy!