Joy As Seen Through The Eyes

of the psalmist David was a gift given by God because of personal obedience and devotion to him. This response is motivated by what the Lord has done for us. David exclaimed "You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine" (Psa. 4:7). He realized that the joy of the Lord did not depend on material prosperity or earthly success.

Let's consider some of the ways that God brought joy to the life of King David. They should have the same effect upon us.

First, there is the realization that the Lord provides refuge and protection. The Psalmist states "But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them that...(they) may be filled with joy" (Psa 5:11). Experiencing God’s arms around us gives an eternal reason for joyful thanksgiving.

The Lord's care for us does not infer that we will slip through life without difficulty. David spent many years in the wilderness fleeing from his enemies. In Psalm 59 he describes his enemies as vicious dogs (v. 14) yet two verses later he is proclaiming "But as for me, I will sing about your power... I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge...when I am in distress" (Psa 59:16). What was his joy based upon? Not that everything was going well, but because of the Lord's continual presence and unfailing love in life’s situations.

He also experienced great joy because of the hope of "of living with you (God) forever" (Psa 16:17). Here David goes beyond the joy we experience in the Lord’s presence in the here-and-now and introduces an eternal perspective. Joy for the follower of the Lord is not rooted to life on this earth. He promises to be with us when "we walk through the darkest valley (alternative translation: "the dark valley of death" Psa 23:4). The Lord may go with us through many dark experiences during a lifetime. However, he will also be with us in the darkest valley, which is death, at which time he will usher us into his magnificent residence so that we may dwell "in the house of the Lord forever" (Psa 23:6).

Did David always experience this intense happiness in the Lord? The answer is no. When he committed adultery with Bathsheba his joy was taken from him. Sin had made him miserable. David described it this way. "...I recognize my rebellion it haunts me day and night" (Psa 51:3). The only way he could deal with his sin was to ask for God's forgiveness so that he would be made "whiter than snow" (Psa 51:7) in the Lord's eyes.

One further step was still required to bring full restoration. David had to ask God to "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you" (Psa 51:12). Joy comes from God. It is his gift to those who are his followers.

We all long for joy. However, for many it is elusive. Disobedience can crush and stifle joy. However, it can be restored as we strive by the power of the Holy Spirit walk in close fellowship and obedience to God.

Copyright. Bruce March 2006

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.