Joy
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11) NIV
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Remember that song from the late 1980s?
Watching people out in the public, can you see joy in their faces? I know it’s more difficult in the world of face masks! Anyway, life is tough, and it can seem that there is not much that seems to be worth the troubles that this world is giving. David’s prayer is for all who come to take refuge in the Lord, gladness will be found.
Being happy is something that all of us want, but the question is how we pursue it? We often seek happiness in things we hope will make us glad. You’ve probably thought this: “I know I’d be happy if I could only get that or experience that [fill in the blank].”
The problem with that sort of belief structure is that when we succeed in the pursuit of a particular goal, we find that happiness from those sources is only temporary. Our lives are littered with examples we can recall and proclaim, “Yeah, that’s my experience too.” We conclude that THINGS can make us glad for a short amount of time. Eventually they break down, fall apart or fade away and so we might move on in pursuit of yet another thing to fill that void.
David’s prayer tells us that we don’t have to be on that rollercoaster if we seek our refuge in God alone. You see, God is not temporary. He is eternal and His desire is for us to have joy. God will never leave us. He can be trusted for our eternal safety. What joy in knowing He is there and will always be there.
So, what then, is taking refuge in God? It is trusting in Him – going to Him for everything. It is knowing that God is in control, no matter what the world is giving. It is in trusting His direction for our lives. He will never leave during tough times. This should give us reason to sing for joy, knowing He is always on our side. Each day, we can walk around completely covered in His presence. We can constantly know that protection, comfort, and guidance wherever we go.
I pray today that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will know the joy in walking with Him. That you will find refuge in Him. That you will be glad He is by your side and that you will know His protection in your life.