Day 10

January 19 // Sue Smith

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.   

This passage tells us that God will reveal the path of life to us but we have to be in His presence.  This means prayer, study of His word, and worship.  We have to quiet our hearts and minds and take the time to be still and listen to His voice.  When we are in His presence we will have a fullness of joy that can only be from the Lord.  This doesn’t mean that we won’t face trials, heartache or difficult times.   However, He will carry us through.  John 16:33 tells us that in this world, you will have tribulation.  But, be of good cheer… for I have overcome the world.

To have God present shows in our actions and words.  We have a sense of peace in those difficult and challenging times that has no explanation because we know that He has it all under control.  That doesn’t mean we just sit back and let him do everything.  He created us to do and live out His word.  We do what is right, we stand up for injustices, we help our fellow man and show God’s love to everyone including our enemies.  

There’s an English Proverb, “A man is known by the company he keeps.”  It’s the same when you spend time in God’s presence.  The more time you invest in time with Him the more Christ-like you become.  He starts to reveal the path of life to you… you start to have more joy… you desire to do and live His word even in difficult times.

None of this is easy. It takes us making time with Him a priority.  Everyday life can get in the way so easily and can keep us from spending time with Him.  We have to purposefully set aside time for Him, time to be quiet and invite Him to be present, so that we can know and hear Him.  Believe me, the time spent with Him will always be worth it in the end.

Dear Lord, we thank you that we are able to be in your presence.  Help us to make our time with you a priority in our lives.  Help us see the things that we let get in the way of that time.  Thank you for the joy that we receive just by being in your presence and knowing you more.  Continue to give us that desire to spend more time in prayer, study and worship.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.