A Greater Joy

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 16, 2015

You [God] have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. Psalm 4:7, NLT

Being a grandparent is one of the few things in life that is not overrated. O my, watching their little eyes express unfiltered love and joy—gives me great joy. “Pop can you play with me” is an invitation into their almost pure world of imagination and intrigue. They love for me to tell stories about their adventures with aunt Sylvia (made up and fired up!). Their soft faces beam when they become the hero who brings everyone back home safe and secure. My heart overflows in gratitude when I get to be with our grandchildren. And God offers an even greater joy!

God has a greater joy that He gives abundantly to His children. The Lord’s joy satisfies the deep recesses of our being. Food and drink bring a needed but temporary satisfaction for the body, but not the soul. Outward comforts are not qualified to satisfy inner cravings, any more than a car is able to carry us across the ocean. Only the Holy Spirit can give spiritual joy. God’s gift of joy begins with salvation in Jesus and continues by being with Jesus. Worldly happiness can momentarily put a smile on our face, but Christ continually makes our heart happy. God’s gift is a greater joy.

“You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy” (Psalm 63:5, NLT).

Have you lost your joy from God? Are you looking for happiness in places incapable of satisfying your longings for the long term? Meaningful relationships bring a certain measure of fulfillment, but your total contentment can only come from Christ. Delicacies of the world may delight for a time, but only Jesus provides ongoing joy. Why trouble yourself over man’s morsels when your Savior has set a place for you at His banquet table? Feast with Jesus in prayer. Fellowship with Him in His creation: nature and people. God’s joy awaits your harvest.

We have access to a greater joy from our Savior Jesus. The Holy Spirit recruits our heart to engage His comfort and compassion. By faith, we stay enlisted in God’s army and enjoy continuous victory over the enemies of the Lord: the world, the flesh and the devil. The spoils of faithfulness are a much greater joy than hollow happiness of unfaithfulness. An engaged life, not ease of life, is an indicator of a fulfilled life. A greater joy comes as we are governed by Christ’s agenda, not our own. Great joy is from our great God. Joy overflows from a Spirit filled heart.

“Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete” (John 16:24, AMP).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I delight in the gift of Your abundant joy.

Application: How can I grow the focus of my joy in my heavenly Father?

Related Readings: Isaiah 9:3; Zechariah 10:7; Luke 1:47; Acts 14:17; 2 Corinthians 7:4

Post/Tweet this today: An engaged life, not ease of life, is an indicator of a fulfilled life. #greaterjoy #WisdomHunters

Worship Resource: 7 minute video- Bethel: Come and Fill

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