The Path of Life
Date: November 1, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "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." - Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
L - Listen for God's Word and Pray: Dear Lord, help me rediscover the joy that comes from walking in Your presence. Open my heart and mind to the path of life that You've set before me. Fill me with the enduring joy that only You can provide.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The author of Psalm 16, most likely David, recognizes that true and lasting joy is found in God's presence. In our pursuit of joy, we often seek it in worldly things, but David reminds us that genuine joy is a byproduct of an intimate relationship with God. It's not fleeting happiness but an enduring sense of contentment that comes from knowing Him.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Path of life": This phrase signifies the course of our journey, the way we live our lives. Rediscovering joy means aligning our path with God's principles.
"Joy in your presence": Joy is not external; it's an internal, spiritual experience found when we draw near to God.
"Eternal pleasures": These are not momentary delights but everlasting contentment and satisfaction found in our relationship with God.
S - Summarize and Share
As we begin this month's theme of Rediscovering Joy, Psalm 16:11 fills my heart with anticipation and hope. It's like a roadmap to a hidden treasure—the kind of treasure that doesn't diminish with time but only becomes more valuable as we seek it.
So many of us have been on a quest for happiness, searching in various places—success, relationships, possessions, and even in fleeting pleasures. But I've come to understand that the joy this world offers is temporary, fragile, and dependent on circumstances.
Rediscovering joy, for me, means going beyond the surface and digging into the depths of God's presence. It's about recognizing that true joy isn't something I can manufacture on my own; it's a gift from our loving Creator. It's a joy that isn't diminished by trials in life but is actually made more radiant in the middle of them.
So, this month, let’s embark on a journey of rediscovery. We’ll uncover the joy that's already within us, a joy that's a fruit of God's Spirit. It's a joy that doesn't rely on external factors but thrives in the assurance of God's steadfast love and faithfulness.
As we explore this theme together, let's open our hearts to God's presence, seeking Him in prayer, worship, and His Word. Let's choose joy, not as a fleeting emotion but as a steady undercurrent in our lives. And may we rediscover the joy that's always been there, waiting for us to fully embrace it.
4 Bible Cross References (Rediscovering Joy):
Psalm 30:5 (NIV) - "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
Psalm 51:12 (NIV) - "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) - "Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."