(Psa 16:11) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Sometimes we tend to think that God’s will is hard and takes a lot of discipline. And yes, at times that may be so in certain seasons of life. But overall, doing God’s will is supposed to be delightful and satisfying. Maybe it’s time to reassess and ask yourself . . . “Am I ENJOYING or ENDURING the will of God for My life?”
YOU WILL SHOW ME THE PATH OF LIFE: Wow, what a promise. David had confidence that the Lord would show him the path of life. From shepherd boy to shepherd to king, God always led the way for him. God wants to show you and I the way, too. (Psa 48:14) For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death. (Psa 73:24) You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. All throughout our lives, from young to old, and through all the ups and downs and twists and turns in life, the Lord has promised to pilot us. He never fails to show the way!
IN YOUR PRESENCE IS FULLNESS OF JOY: Sometimes circumstances are favorable for us and we experience happiness. But when things take a turn for the worse, we might not be happy anymore, but we are promised joy. Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy is an abiding quality that is God-given and maintained, even in times of duress and distress. (Gal 5:22) As you abide in the Lord He will give you a full cup of enjoyment. And so much so that even when something goes bad, you will have a sense of humor, knowing God is on the throne and is working all things for your good.
AT YOUR RIGHT HAND ARE PLEASURES FOREVERMORE: Sometimes we long for that vacation and a chance to get away from all the stresses of life. But you and I are promised a satisfying life, both now as well as forever. When you can’t get away, the Lord will be our sanctuary. (Eze 11:16) But we have to be at God’s right hand. Sometimes a child wanders from the presence of a parent and can get into a mess and not be very happy. But as we stay in the love of God, our heaven begins right here on the earth because heaven is the glory and presence of God. And then ZAPPO! We’ll be face to face with Jesus and those pleasures will go on throughout eternity.
I like this scripture: (Psa 40:8) I delight to do Your will, O my God . . . That is David talking. He had just gone through a difficult time. His testimony was that he waited on God, and the Lord delivered him from a horrible pit and out of the miry clay. You see, he didn’t wait for experiences to improve so that his enjoyment of life could improve. This is also a prophecy of Christ and what He would go through in his suffering and crucifixion. And you never see Jesus moping around the gospel pages!
I hope you are enjoying life in God’s will, instead of enduring it. Life is an adventure and you never know what lies ahead. But we must be realistic about the fact that there will be good times and bad times. (Job 2:10). We are to wear it all like a badge of experience so that we may firmly testify to others of the grace and goodness of God. People need hope when they suffer. Will you be that example of joy under pressure? Instead of taking the ill pill that produces a shrill, I hope you can refill and experience THE THRILL OF GOD’S WILL!
Louie