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.”
THEME OF THE DAY: DON’T SETTLE FOR THE FALSE AND FLEETING. What would be a good summary statement of today’s scripture? As we ponder this, focus on the words “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore.” What images come to our minds? I see “contentment, satisfaction, overflowing, and fulfillment.” This verse expounds with what Jesus promises when He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The word abundantly means “remarkable, extraordinary, more than enough” and points to a fulfilled life, a satisfied life, a contented life, and a life lived above the dull routines of mere existence. Yet, today’s verse goes beyond describing the life God has for His children – fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. It also points to where these are found, and it isn’t a place but a Person – the Lord Jesus. What comes before the descriptions of abundant life? His Presence. His Nearness – at your right hand. Does this sound so good? So inviting? Who does not want such a life? Well, there is a catch, actually two of them, we must overcome to get this type of soul-satisfying life.
First, to know the fullness of joy in Christ and the pleasure at His right hand, we must be convinced such a life cannot be found anywhere else. Christ Alone is a great hymn and it is also the only place for a life full of joy and lasting pleasures.
We are foolish people who attempt to satisfy our inward longings and yearnings for purpose, direction, contentment, and fulfillment in life through anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ. These heart cries for meaning come from our Creator and are only satisfied by the Creator and that through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that brings fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.
The other “catch” we must meet to know this fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore at the right hand of the Lord is to obey the command given by the Apostle John in his first epistle – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17). Friends, we cannot love the world and its false and fleeting pleasures while loving the Lord Jesus and His fullness of joy and lasting pleasures. It is one or the other and that choice is made every time we seek satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment, and purpose in life.
Jesus came to give the abundant life, full of joy and pleasures forevermore. It is a standing promise and invitation for us daily. Are we seizing it? Are we seeking it? Let’s not be deceived by seeking the false and fleeting when the truth and lasting is right before us!
PRAYER: “Father, forgive me when I attempt to find in the world what is only found in You.”
QUOTE: “Don’t be deceived and attempt to find contentment in anything or anyone but Christ.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim