Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path 
of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; 
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  

INTRODUCTION

Joy comes from being in Gods presence. 
True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can 
feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. 
Happiness is temporary because it is based on external 
circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on 
Gods presence within us. As we contemplate his 
daily presence, we will find contentment. As we 
understand the future he has for us, we will experience 
joy. Dont base your life on circumstances, but 
on God. [Life Application SB] 

Our growth in grace, our joy, our 
usefulness, - all depend upon our union with Christ. It 
is by communion with Him, daily, hourly, -by 
abiding in Him, - that we are to grow in grace. He 
is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our 
faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He 
is to be with us, not only at the beginning and 
the end of our course, but at every step of the 
way. [Remnant SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

Enjoying God's Presence
   Have you ever watched a young couple 
communicate their love for each other without even 
saying a word? Maybe you have experienced it 
yourself. Every glance, every touch, every smile 
conveys love. People deeply in love find absolute 
bliss simply being in each other's presence.  
   In the same way, simply being in the 
presence of God brings us great joy. It happens as we 
listen to Him speak in His Word; It happens as we 
pray. But it also happens as we simply enjoy His 
presence - meditating on His goodness, delighting in 
the beauty of His creation, rejoicing in the 
life of a new baby or the surprise of an 
unexpected blessing. The Bible says, "Be still, and 
know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). 
   Someday we will be in His presence 
forever; the Bible says, "God Himself will be with 
them" (Rev. 21:3). What joy that will be! But in 
the meantime, delight in His presence right now, 
for He is with you every hour of the day. [Hope 
for Each Day by Billy Graham] 

ILLUSTRATION

Singing at Midnight
   When you have a relationship with God, 
the Bible says there is fullness of joy and 
pleasures forevermore. 
   And Solomon wrote, He who is of a 
merry heart has a continual feast (Proverbs 
15:15 NKJV). 
   Paul and Silas were imprisoned in a Roman 
dungeon for preaching the gospel. Yet at midnight, 
they were singing praises to God, and the other 
prisoners were listening (see Acts 16:25). 
   The midnight hour is not the easiest time 
to sing praises to God. Nor is it the easiest 
time to sing His praises when youre in the 
doctors office, waiting for the results of a lab 
test, or when youre in a hospital waiting room, 
or when youre facing a thousand other 
distressing scenarios. 
   When Paul was living under house arrest, 
awaiting his appeal to Caesar, he wrote, Rejoice 
in the Lord always. Again I will say, 
rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 NKJV). 
   Loosely paraphrased, Paul was saying, 
Look, if anyone could be depressed, its me. If 
anyone could be down, its me. If anyone is 
facing an uncertain future, its me. But heres 
what Im saying to you: Rejoice in the Lord 
always. Again I will say, say rejoice! 
   The prophet Habakkuk showed a similar 
mindset when he wrote, Though the fig tree may 
not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though 
the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields 
yield no food; though the flock may be cut off 
from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls 
- yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy 
in the God of my salvation (3:17-18 NKJV). 
   These are the words of a man who knew 
that God was still in control and still loved 
him. 
   No matter whats going on, we can 
rejoice in the Lord. Gods plans for us are still 
good, and He has promised that Hell never leave 
us or forsake us. [By Greg Laurie from Harvest 
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

ONE LINER

We kept fresh flowers on the table, because 
flower stands abounded on the streets, as if the 
Danish people understand the importance of feeding 
joy. [Mornings With Jesus 2021 Devotional by 
Guideposts and Zondervan] 

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

My living God,
   As I begin a fresh year, I rejoice that 
You are continually working newness into my 
life. Because You are doing a new thing, I must 
not dwell on the past. I refuse to let last 
year's disappointments and failures define me or 
dampen my expectations. This is the day for a fresh 
start! I know there are no limits to Your 
creativity, so I anticipate some lovely surprises in 
this year that stretches out before me. 
   Lord, I receive today as a precious gift 
from You. I realize that the present moment is 
where You meet with me. This is the day that You 
have made. I know You have carefully prepared it 
for me - with tender attention to every detail. 
So I have good reason to rejoice and be glad in 
this day! 
   As I journey along the path of Life, I'll 
search for signs of Your loving Presence. I delight 
in finding the little blessings You sprinkle 
alongside my pathway - sometimes in surprising places. 
As I discover them, I'll thank You for each 
one. This keeps me close to You and helps me find 
Joy in my journey. 
   In Your blessed Name, Jesus, Amen (Isaiah 
43:18-19; Psalm 118:24 ESV; Psalm 16:11 NKJV) [Jesus 
Listens by Sarah Young] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy is in Gods 
Presence. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200429-0844.html 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20141027-2150.html 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20110120-1211.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/