March 31 | Finding Joy in His Presence

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 16:11, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Lesson 31 | Finding Joy in His Presence

What are some of the things you like to do in your free time?  Some people like to read books, others like to have outdoor adventures, others like spending time with their close friends and family, some play or watch sports… why?  All of us are longing for joy and pleasure in this life.

Some people become addicted to harmful things like drugs, money, sex, power, and adrenaline because what they find in this world is never enough to satisfy their inner hunger for pleasure.  Still others become depressed and self- destructive because they see life as an endless cycle of pain and let downs not worth the energy it takes to find an ounce of joy because it seems to evaporate quicker than its found.

Have you ever noticed how easily we as humans become bored nowadays?  Children in the 50’s used to listen to the radio and play with cowboys and Indians and were fully engaged.  However, today’s teens because of technology have the ability to learn more about the world than all the past printed encyclopedias, have better game play then the flight simulators the astronauts practiced with for the moon landing, and more connections to more people instantly around the world, however, it never is enough- kids today still are bored… why?

The answer to the bored teenager is the same as the burned out businessman who has all the toys money can buy but is still empty… we were made to be satisfied only in God’s presence.  Someone once said we all have a God shaped hole in all of us that only God fill. 

David knew this reality in his time because he witnessed the fleeting of earthly pleasures.  He was a powerful king, a great warrior, and a handsome man- however, he wrote in the above passage that only God could give him the path to life, fill him with joy unending, and give him eternal pleasures.  And he said all those great things came from God’s presence.  David then discovered that the best way to encounter God’s presence was with praise and worship, hence his passion to write and sing songs to God.

In response to God’s greatness and man’s emptiness everyone needs to worship God.  When you worship God with the right motives and heart, He will reward you and bless you in ways this world cannot compare with it!  

Start today to find your joy and the fullness of pleasure in the presence of God!

Reflection | Are you passionate about the presence of God? 

Action | (1) Repent of any things that distract you from being in God’s presence. (2) Make time everyday to be in God’s presence through worship.  (3) Lastly, daily enjoy the presence of God.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20, Luke 9:7-27, Psalm 72:1-20, &Proverbs 12:8-9. Click here to read online.