Psalm 4:6-8 TPT
6
There are many who pray:
“Give us more blessings, O Lord.
Look on us with kindness!”
7
But the joy that you have given me
is more than they will ever have
with all their grain and wine.
8
When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace;
you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.
In our passage today, we continue reading King David’s prayer. David faces distressing circumstances, but he turns his gaze from focusing on his external problems and instead begins to praise and thank God for that which is eternal. David contrasts two kinds of blessings: eternal inward joy and temporal external happiness. Every child of God can know eternal inward joy no matter what is going on around us.
Our external circumstances may bring fleeting happiness—and I welcome these times in my life—but God’s eternal inward joy is full, healing, and entirely satisfying. When we choose to remain in the joy of our salvation, by enjoying fellowship with God and trusting him to deal with the very things that distress us, we can experience eternal peace. I cannot answer for you, but for me I want to live each day unafraid in the loving care of God. Never forget true J.O.Y—Jesus Occupies You!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the joy your presence brings to my soul. I want to live fully and unafraid in the joy of my salvation. When the world retreats fearful; may your children arise faithful and filled with joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.