Day 5 | January 5

DAY 5 | January 5, 2024 | MORE JOY  

Verse: Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” NKJV

The path of life is a journey with God in which we abide in His presence. More joy is found in the presence of God which brings fulfillment. Joy is promised to those who believe and is made complete in God’s presence, yet according to 1 Peter 1:8 it cannot be fully expressed. When we are filled with joy, we are filled with glory which is God’s weighty presence. Joy is an inward strength that enables us to persevere in the midst of life’s tests and trials. That’s why James 1:2 tells us to consider it all joy when we encounter trials of various kinds.

Fullness of joy speaks of complete fulfillment, fully mature delight and manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Negative emotions can no longer compete with the joy we possess. Joy protects you from the grip of depression, anxiety, oppression and heaviness. Joy enables you to overcome grief from the loss of a loved one. 

There is a difference between joy and happiness. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It’s something that is already in us because God’s Spirit dwells in us. Joy is an internal strength we receive in His presence and it is a fruit of the Spirit of God who indwells us. Happiness is circumstantial and its source is external; it is a result from what’s happening around you. Joy is a strength that’s within you to sustain you when things get difficult. “…the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 ESV.” Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 ESV.”

TODAY’S PRAYER

Thank you, Jesus, for the fullness of joy that brings fulfillment in life. Fill us with joy in your presence and let it be a witness to the world around us, and to those who so desperately need it. Thank you for filling us with joy to endure every test and trial we may face in this life knowing that the joy of the Lord is my strength. Thank you, that even though we don’t see you, we believe in you and rejoice with exceeding joy (1 Peter 1:8).