JOY

Contentment and Joy

Psalms 16:5-11  NKJV 

5  O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
     You maintain my lot.

6  The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
     Yes, I have a good inheritance.

7  I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
     My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.

8  I have set the Lord always before me;
     Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

9  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
     My flesh also will rest in hope.

10  For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
        Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

11  You will show me the path of life;
        In Your presence is fullness of joy;
        At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.




David's heart was glad - he had found the secret to joy. 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 God's 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.
Don't base your life on circumstances, but on God. Your circumstances will change but God never will.