Fullness of Joy

January 11, 2008

Fullness of Joy:

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

Fulness - satisfaction (of food or (figuratively) joy):—fill, full (-ness), satisfying, be satisfied.

Joy - lithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival):— X exceeding (-ly), gladness, joy (-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice (-ing).

Is. 35:10 "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

Is. 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified^H6286.

First I will look at the prophecy in Psalm 16:11… at the right hand of the throne of Jesus there are pleasures forever. Joy will reign eternal in that day! Amen! Everlasting joy, joy and gladness, the oil of joy… and there are many other verses that refer to the Spirit of Joy that will be given on that day when our precious Saviour Jesus Christ sets up his Kingdom!

But David isn't only talking about the future here, he is also talking about the here and now. In the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures for evermore. How many of us really have been in the presence of the Lord? I mean, sure, He lives in us… but have we touched Him? Has he touched us? Have we been in the presence of the Lord? David had. And that is where we find fullness of joy. Pleasures for evermore? Not to be found just anywhere… only at His right hand. Where are we seated? Are we that close to Jesus? Psalms is loaded with verses of David's joy… shouting for joy, exceeding joy, dancing with joy, singing in joy… it's all over the place. Here was a man who dwelt continually in the very presence of God and it showed in his face, his actions and his words. Look at the average church choir/worship team and what do you see? Do you see fullness of joy? Is it visible? Is it overflowing? Do they tell you in one glance, "I've touched God today and I just have to share it with you." What about the congregation, Pastors? Do their expressions encourage you to go on with your sermons, or to give up…. There's just no joy in the Lord left out there. Or perhaps it's the Pastor! He just hasn't an ounce of joy in him to spill over to the church. Are God's people touching Jesus? Have they been in the presence of the Lord? Are they sitting at His right hand?

Ecc. 2:26 "For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy:…"

This is not something that is difficult to obtain… it's a gift! If you look at yourself in the mirror and realize that you look like a sourpuss, act like a deadfish and have nothing to give anyone and want to do something about it, or perhaps it's not so bad as that, you just don't feel joyful… just get in touch with your Saviour! Start building that relationship. He died for you not just to give you eternal life, but so He could abide in you as a resurrected LORD! He anticipates the moment that he can work His gifts in you. Joy is no different than anything else that He gives… it's always been there for you, you simply have to ask and believe and receive. And honestly, how hard is it to be joyous when you are having an intimate relationship with someone so amazing as Jesus?

*Joy is different from Happiness… Joy is a gift from the Lord… a Spiritual overflowing that wells up inside that can't change due to circumstances. Happiness is a choice, and ebbs and flows with emotion, and the happenings of everyday life.