Psalm 33:21 In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.

Depending on God is truly the source of genuine joy. Various things can give us joy, but every last one is magnified and deepened when we realize where it all comes from. When we are focused on other things, thinking our joy comes from them, that joy is cheapened and is transitory. I’m reminded of the joy of a dog when its beloved master comes home after having been away. There are many videos online of dogs when their service member master comes home after deployment. The pure, unadulterated joy that is displayed can be moving indeed, even watching videos of people we know nothing about. That’s a pretty good illustration of how we should be with our Lord. The song I Can Only Imagine, the story behind which has been made into a very impactful movie, speaks of this. We don’t know how it’s going to be when we see our Lord face to face, but I’d be willing to bet those dogs in the videos will have nothing on us when it comes to joy! We can taste that joy even now, even if only in slight measure, if we will focus on our Lord and commit our hearts fully to obedient gratitude toward Him.

I’ve written before of an experience I had of being in a small prayer group, worshiping God. The joy of the Lord came on me so strongly that I literally said to the Lord, in my heart, “Lord, if you have anything else for me to do on earth, you had better slack off a little, because I don’t think my body can take another drop of this.” He must have more work for me to do, because it did lighten enough for me to function normally. That gives me an intense anticipation of heaven, because there, my physical body won’t be an issue! He has very graciously given me joy in many other ways as well, and I do enjoy life on this earth as His child. I can testify to the truth of what Jesus told us just before His arrest, “In this world you will have trouble,” (John 16:33) but I can also testify to the reality of Psalm 16:11. “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.” The NIV puts “will” in there, making it future, but for the believer, it starts now! I want everyone to know the joy of God’s salvation, (Psalm 51:12) so I seek to share the Gospel with all who will receive it. People have commented that I seem to enjoy living, but that same joy is available to them as well, and I want them to have it!

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for all Your joy, both now and for eternity. May I be a carrier of that joy, that grace and mercy, to as many as possible, for a massive harvest in Your kingdom, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!