The Joys and Benefits of a Life Lived in Companionship with God

In review of Psalm 16:11 it says, “You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Bottom Line:

You show the path to life, in your presence we can be filled with joy and pleasure.

What this means to me:

You show me the path to life, your presence fills me with joy and bring me pleasures forever.

Today's passage comes from Psalm 16, which speaks of the joys and benefits of a life lived in companionship with God. I can enjoy these benefits now and eternally.

It natural for me to make my own plans and then ask God to bless them. What I’m learning is that, I should be seeking God's will first instead. By constantly thinking about the Lord and his way of living, I gain insights that will help me make the right decisions and live the way god desires for me. Communicating with God allows him to counsel me and give me wisdom.

Just because I follow God doesn't mean I become exempt from the day-to-day circumstances of life. All of us experience pain, trouble, and failure at times. When I seek God, I can move ahead confidently with what He tells me is right and important. Those who don't believe in Him will be stuck with a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion over their true purpose.

In this psalm I see where David's heart is glad, for he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness; I can feel joy in spite of my deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because if it based on God's presence within us. As I contemplate his daily presence, I find contentment. As I understand the future he has for me, I will experience joy. So I'll need to make sure that I'm basing my life not on circumstances, but on God.

Today I should make up my mind that no matter what comes my way, nothing is going to steal my joy. My attitude can dictate whether I’ll have a good or bad day.  No one makes it through life without a few bruises and scrapes. The enemy comes to rob, kill and destroy. Don’t give him what he wants! When he starts telling me how horrible my life is compared to others, remind him that his is in charge of nothing.

Life is too short to focus on the negative! So when bad news punches you in the guy and sends me reeling, come back with my boxing gloves on, ready to fight. When God is in the ring with me, no enemy can defeat me.