Finding Joy

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

We too often confuse happiness with joy. Happiness is a fleeting emotional response to circumstances that cannot be sustained because circumstances change. Joy, as David found out, is a lifestyle built upon an immutable fellowship with God. It is a path of life followed to a predetermined end. Predetermined because the path’s terminus is the presence of God.

As Jesus pointed out, the path of life is strait, narrow, and found by few. It is not that the way is hard to find, nor that the way is particularly hard to follow. In fact, there is a map, and a guide supplied to all travelers.

Few walk the path because it begins with an agreement to follow God’s route. While God is everywhere presiding over the universe, the way into His presence is by prescription only. We are all familiar with the concept. We go to a doctor who prescribes a plan of treatment for what ails us. We must then decide whether to follow the plan. If Jesus says, “Follow me”, and we do not, we alone are responsible for the outcome. If that outcome is disagreeable to us, we are the only ones to blame.

Should we agree to the route (Jesus is The Way), we are supplied with everything we will need to successfully reach our goal. Peter assures us that we have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. There’s catch. While we have been given everything we need, we only discover God’s provisions as we come to them along the way. We discover we have patience to endure a tough situation only after we are in the situation.

We learn God has supplied our needs after we learn to ask, seek, and knock. This experience creates an awareness of His constant presence. We find that while He is King of Kings, He is also our constant companion. As odd as it may sound, a friendship begins to develop. Abraham was called God’s friend, but it is foolish to think it was an exclusive title. Prayer becomes a conversation, a sharing of hopes and hearts.

In His presence is fullness of joy. There is a path that leads there. When joy seems to escape us, it’s time to see if we’re still on the right path. Are we paying attention to His plan, and His provision? Do we recognize His presence?