Joy in the Lord 

   “But you have given my heart more joy than they have when grain and wine abound.”  (Psalm 4: 8) 

   There is joy to be found in the world, but it is a passing joy that cannot last.  Only in God is everlasting joy to be found.

   We take a lot of pleasure in the blessings of this world, and rightly so.  They are gifts from God, that we might have some pleasure in this life.  The problem arises when the joys of this world take on a greater importance than they are due.

   The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12: 16 – 21) tells of a rich man who had more than he could store in his barns and silos.  So he tore them down and built bigger ones.  He had so much property and wealth that he thought he could eat, drink, and be merry, never wanting for anything again.  And yet God said to him, “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” (Luke 16: 20).

   And so it may be with us.  If the gifts of this world are the source of our joy, where will we be if they disappear?  Today we may be wealthy and healthy, but tomorrow we may be poverty stricken and in failing health.  “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” (Job: 1: 21).

   We should enjoy the many blessings God bestows upon us in this world.  He is a loving God and desires our happiness.  But the joys and pleasures of this world will pass away.  In God there is eternal joy. 

Lord, You have blessed me greatly.

I thank You for Your many gifts.

I take pleasure in Your blessings.

But my true joy is in You alone. 

Amen