DAILY DEVOTION: "The Fullness of Joy"

Day 2: The Fullness of Joy

Scripture: (Psalm 16:11): You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Author: Jodi Reed

Recently, my boys were pretending to be dogs, most likely due to our recent addition, a blue-eyed, playful Siberian husky, Nash.  My youngest son asked me, “Mommy, can I be your puppy?”  I scooped him up in my arms and answered, “Josiah, you can be much more than my puppy, you can be my SON!”  Lots of tickles and laughter ensued as he understood my jest. 

Yet, on a serious note, I wonder how often do we neglect to take advantage of our relationship to God, as His children.  We aren’t insignificant created beings, He calls us His children, His friends! 

How much of our life do we wander around seeking the next thing our flesh desires, empty, bored, unfulfilled, or even worse, worried, or fearful?  Psalm 16:11 promises that “In His presence is the fullness of joy.”  Are we overflowing with joy on a continual basis?  Why not?  We aren’t in His presence!  Prayer is our access to a perfect Father and our key to JOY!  Who doesn’t want that?  Prayer is a continuous conversation with the Creator of the Universe!  How often do we reach out to Him throughout the day?  Only when disaster strikes? Just at mealtimes? When the wheels fall off?  When our plans go awry?

How would your life change if you invited God to be part of your entire day?  “Good morning, Father, thank you for giving me another day.  What do you have for me to accomplish today?  May the words of my lips and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you today.”  Share everything throughout your day with him, the good and the difficult.  Ask him for wisdom to handle each situation.

We are called to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.  If you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start in your prayer life or maybe just want it to feel fresh and new again, start with a grateful heart.  God owes us NOTHING!  In fact, He has spared us from the doom we deserve.  Look around you and start by giving.