The Satisfaction of Joy

I love being around people who enjoy life. These people can be labeled as the life of the party, the sparkle in the room, or a bubbly personality. The type of person I am describing is said to know how to have fun. But I’ve come to realize that there is a marked difference between fun and joy.

The dictionary defines fun as entertainment or amusement. This would lead us to believe that we could have fun if we try hard enough, are creative enough, and have enough money and resources to maintain our desire to be entertained. But we all know that even the most amusing entertainment eventually gets old. It runs its course, becomes outdated, and needs to be traded in for a new way to catch our fancy.

By contrast, the definition of joy is “happiness that brings satisfaction.” Wouldn’t it be nice to be satisfied and happy? If it’s true that the happiness that brings satisfaction comes from joy, then we must all search for the key to this happiness!

With the Bible in our hands and a little time alone with the Lord, the key is quickly found. Psalm 89:15 says, “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord” (nlt). And in Psalm 17:15 we read, “I will see you face to face and be satisfied” (nlt).

When we worship the Lord and look at Him face-to-face, our perspective changes no matter what has been going on before that encounter. When that precious time in worship, whether private or corporate, is neglected, we are robbed of our joy.

I am repeatedly drawn to Psalm 16:11, the meat of which says, “You will fill me with joy in your presence” (emphasis added). You know just as well as I do that just because we put ourselves in God’s presence we will not always have happy circumstances. There will still be trauma and drama in life. Things will not always go your way. Yes will not always be the answer to all of the questions you ask.

We must spend time alone with God daily, allowing Him to fill us up with Himself. The truth of His Word and the power that comes through prayer are the satisfying sources of His joy. As the overflow of time with God pours through your life, you will find that you can be one of those people who enjoys life, and people will be drawn to Christ in you.

Heavenly Father, draw me to You. Allow Your Word and Your presence to fill me with You and fill me with Your joy. Cause me to be satisfied with You. In Your name, amen.