April 4
"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." -Psalm 16:9-11 (NIV)
When David wrote this song, his spirit was open to God, his heart became glad, and he was filled with joyful happiness. April comes from the Latin verb aperire meaning "to open". If you would also like to experience a happy heart and Spring joy, try opening yourself up this April to what God has in store for you. Because David was open to God when he wrote this Psalm, he found the secret to real joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness. We can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary since it is based on external circumstances. Joy is lasting because it is based on God's presence within. As we meditate on God's loving daily presence, we find contentment. If we understand the beautiful future God has planned for us, we begin to feel joy.
Don't base your life on old circumstances or worn out beliefs. Embrace the new things God has planned for you as you draw closer to the Lord. David walked so closely with God he was confident his Lord would never abandon him- even in death. Most people fear death because they can't control or understand it. David didn't fear death because he was convinced God would remain with him always as they walked the path of life together. As believers, we can also be assured God will not forget us in life or death. Jesus, the great great-grandson of David, will bring us to life again once more to live with him forever in resurrection glory. This fact provides a joyful personal security nothing can ever remove.
Prayer: Father God, Thank you that you will never abandon me. Help me draw closer to you every day as I walk the path of life and joy with you. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's love is stronger than death.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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