rl69
03-05-2017, 09:19 AM
Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God” (Psalm 43:4). “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 42
David knew joy as well as deep turmoil and sorrow. He experienced both fear and joy protecting sheep as a young shepherd. He had slain the enemy giant Goliath and had led many military coups. The music of his harp had quieted the tormented King Saul, but the king later chased him and forced him to hide in caves. While being taunted by his enemies, his thoughts turned to the joy he felt when worshiping God in Jerusalem.
The simile in the first two verses of Psalm 42 pictures our deep need to find God and to enjoy a personal relationship with Him. Imagine a deer's desperate search for water, a need that often takes it across busy highways. Just as the animal craves, searches, and finds water, so we need to crave, aggressively pursue, and find God. Our need for God is far greater than a deer's need for water.
A popular praise song from these verses identifies Jesus as the Joy Giver. We know the source of joy. Will we pursue joy or only gather information about its availability?
Insight: The “heavenly container” of joy is bottomless. Don't believe the lie that joy is only for some people. Draw on your heavenly supply today.
Scripture Focus: Psalm 42
David knew joy as well as deep turmoil and sorrow. He experienced both fear and joy protecting sheep as a young shepherd. He had slain the enemy giant Goliath and had led many military coups. The music of his harp had quieted the tormented King Saul, but the king later chased him and forced him to hide in caves. While being taunted by his enemies, his thoughts turned to the joy he felt when worshiping God in Jerusalem.
The simile in the first two verses of Psalm 42 pictures our deep need to find God and to enjoy a personal relationship with Him. Imagine a deer's desperate search for water, a need that often takes it across busy highways. Just as the animal craves, searches, and finds water, so we need to crave, aggressively pursue, and find God. Our need for God is far greater than a deer's need for water.
A popular praise song from these verses identifies Jesus as the Joy Giver. We know the source of joy. Will we pursue joy or only gather information about its availability?
Insight: The “heavenly container” of joy is bottomless. Don't believe the lie that joy is only for some people. Draw on your heavenly supply today.