Joy of the Lord
2 Samuel 6:12-15
Earthly successes fade, but God's love produces eternal joy.
Famed author George Bernard Shaw was once faced with an intensely trying time and was tempted to give up all hope and resign himself to a life of depression. A friend visited him in the midst of this time of his life and Shaw told his friend of his depressive thoughts. The man listened to what Shaw had to say then asked him a simple question, "Whose life are you living?" Struck by the simple thought, Shaw later wrote in his journal that night:
"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one: the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap, and being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."
George Bernard Shaw realized that his life was not his own, therefore joy came not from what he could do, but from his position in Christ.
What is the source of your joy? Think about that question for a minute. We can feel happiness after success, comedic entertainment, the fellowship of friends, and other situations. But joy goes beyond momentary happiness. It's the knowledge that no matter what happens in life, things will work out for good. Where do you derive that joy?
David had learned valuable lessons in the days before our verses today. He saw that even though his plans sounded good, if they weren't in God's will, they would fail. He learned that his responsibilities as a leader were not to be taken lightly. But now he sees one more principle, "And it was told king David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness."
God's timing had been fulfilled and David saw how joyous the house of Obed-edom was as they centered their lives around the Ark of the Covenant. David was envious of the joy they felt and sent for the Ark. The Bible describes the transport of the Ark this time around as being "with gladness"; God was in their midst.
David wasn't experiencing joy because of the material increase that came with the Ark or the feeling of prestige and power. David was glorying in God Himself and drew joy from God's presence.
Our joy doesn't come from a pay raise, a new relationship, a new possession, or other temporary circumstances. Such things can fade and wane with time, but the joy of the Lord never wanes.
Take time today to make sure the source of your joy is Jesus Christ. Circumstances change, friends leave, and success fades, but when you know that you are God's child and He will protect and provide for you even in intense trials, your joy will never end.
Daily Bible Reading
Numbers 1-2 | Mark 3: 1-19
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