PSALM 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

TO PONDER

I don't think this verse describes many people these days. How many people in your social circles would you describe as being joyful in the presence of the Lord? More likely people find the idea of Jesus and of Christianity as a killjoy or a buzzkill. The common perception these days seems to be that Jesus and his teachings - if followed correctly - inhibit us from doing whatever we want and ultimately limits our freedom and therefor our experience of Joy.

However, as any parent can tell you, not everything that a child wants to do is necessarily good for them. Part of our role as responsible parents is to help our children understand that not every desire we have as broken and filled humans is healthy or helpful and to put in place some boundaries to support healthy choices and 'fulness of life'.

God has shared the path of life with us - it is faith in Jesus; it is his presence with us by the Holy Spirit; it is in being where he is and doing what he asks us to do. When we recognise that God's heart towards us has always been one of love and care, then following Jesus, the way, the truth and the life, is not a chore or a limiting restriction of life but a loving and caring boundary in which human life can flourish and be all that God intended it to be.

What a joy it truely is to live in God's presence.

PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, I know that at times I am prone to seek life and joy apart from you. I thank you for your love and mercy which invites me back into the joy of your presence through Jesus Christ. Please help me to know more deeply the joy of life in you that I may help others to also see the joy of living in your presence. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle