There’s no doubt, we live life in the fast lane. Today’s pace gives us no choice. We must see joy as a reality though, and within our grasp. One character whose life on the run we can relate to is David. He found himself being chased through the wilderness by a king who relentlessly sought his life. Filled with inner turmoil and conflict, He found God’s joy in the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
RELEVANCE
David found the LORD pointed to his way of contentment and joy. “O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup” (Psalm 16:5). In the LORD David found more than comfort of soul. He embraced the comfort of the Holy Spirit and found real joy.
“He bowed the heavens also, and came down
With darkness under His feet.
And He rode upon a cherub, and flew;
He flew upon the wings of the wind.
He made darkness His secret place;
His canopy around Him was dark waters
And thick clouds of the skies.”
(Psalm 16:9-11)
The New Testament tells the story of the wise men who went in search for the child, Jesus. They knew the star pointed to where they would find Him. “When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Matthew 2:9-10). Note it took seeing the star to bring joy.
God is always placing “stars” for us to see to guide us forward. They come in many forms and in many ways. They come through people God has placed in our path. They come through messages we hear. They come through events we get to participate in and experience. It just takes being attentive and observant to our surroundings and what goes on– listening and observing intently. It takes appreciating who and what God places before us. It takes meditating, reflecting and processing life. Through these things God brings joy.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Are there things that keep you too busy to see and find the star of the LORD’s presence?
Are there other things besides the LORD you have set as your source of hope?
What next steps can you take as your “path of life?”
REFERENCES
Acts 20:1-24; Romans 15:13