Fullness of Joy, Even Now
Today’s Verses:
Psalm 16:11 ESV
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Some mornings feel heavy before the day even begins. The news is grim. The world feels fragile. And hope can feel like it’s in short supply.
But then we hear this: “In your presence there is fullness of joy.”
This isn’t wishful thinking or blind optimism. It’s a promise rooted in the faithfulness of God. David wrote Psalm 16 in the middle of real trouble. Yet he trusted that God’s presence was more powerful than fear, and more lasting than pain.
This psalm reminds us that joy isn’t tied to circumstances—it’s tied to Christ. God doesn’t promise an easy life, but He does promise His presence. Right now. In this moment. Even when the world’s falling apart.
And here’s the good news for us: Jesus is the path of life. He walked it all the way to the cross and out the other side of the tomb—for you. Because He lives, that joy David wrote about isn’t just for the future. It’s for today.
Even in sorrow, there’s joy in knowing you’re not alone. Even in chaos, there’s peace in knowing God has already won.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord, when the world overwhelms me, draw me back to Your presence. Help me to rest in the joy You give—joy that doesn’t depend on how things look, but on who You are. Thank You for being near. Amen. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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