In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy
We sat at the river’s edge…celebrating and savoring the last autumn day of gentle weather before the snow would begin to fall…and it seemed that all of nature sensed how special the day was, too. The remaining leaves literally glowed as they fluttered in the soft wind…the minnows made quite a display, jumping up out of the water just in front of us…and the gulls swooped and soared overhead…no-doubt trying to nab some minnow sushi for dinner .
And as the sun dipped to the horizon, it was beautiful–just BEAUTIFUL!–this picture is authentically what we saw. The golden hues reflected in the passing waters fashioned a gorgeous scene…created as only the Master Artist himself could do!!
As breath-taking as we may find beauty here and now, there’s just no way that it can ever hold a candle to the delight, beauty and breath-taking splendor of being in the presence of the wonderful God in heaven one day…where the streets are paved in gold, and the tree of life stands, where a rainbow surrounds the throne of God Himself….
….and He is there!
That amazing place is prepared for those who will seek the LORD…love Him…and obey Him, walking closely to Him!
Is that you?
That presence of God is something we can prepare for…long for, and look forward to…someday…if we choose…
But in great contrast, right now, we get really tired and weary at times, living here on this earth: with its demands, stresses, griefs, betrayals, disappointments, sickness, death….you know what I mean…you experience it all too often, right?
So…where is JOY? How does one manage all of that? Truly manage? Wading through all the challenges and messes of everyday life? In victory and celebration? Is that even possible?
Of ourselves…it is NOT!
But we don’t need to do it alone!
Here is Jesus’ invitation to you and me:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Until a time when heaven can be our home, we can enjoy rest and relief in the presence, and beside, the LORD! He wants to be right there with us! Through it all! Did you notice it?
He invites: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me…” Could there be a kinder Master or dearer Teacher? Delve into His word, the Bible, and be instructed, nourished, refreshed and rested!
He promises, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light…” Jesus is offering to help us actually bear the load of life…easing the burden…pulling the weight with us! Right there–beside us! All the way! Helping us deal with it all–if we’ll let Him! Turn to Him in prayer–pouring your heart and concerns to Him! He is able!
Talk about JOY! FULLNESS of joy! Not just a little! Real . Joy . Now!
I’ve realized we can’t wait for perfect circumstances before JOY can exist–it CAN exist in any “weather”–at any time–because of Who gives and creates that joy! Joy is not a destination—it’s what we experience along the troubled journey of life–because of the LORD!–when He is beside us–because we are in His presence–with Him!
True fullness of JOY cannot be found anywhere else…than in His presence!
Truly!
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy ;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Hugs!
Lisa
Heart Inspirations 
Only you Lisa! Praising God while finding JOY in amongst the bittersweetness of the hardships of our lives. Can I reside in your back pocket please.
HAPPY, HAPPY DAY OF YOUR BIRTH JOHN,
Love and hugs to you both. Marilyn
THANK YOU Marilyn!
Sending hugs and love to you today sweet friend!
Thanks for you good thoughts and verses Lisa!
Nancy
They are beautiful passages, aren’t they, Nancy…so full of hope and joy for us to focus on!! THANKS for your encouragement! Love and hugs!