Let’s face it – 2020 has been a strange year.
But God was not surprised by all the events that have happened.

Would you join me in a four-week countdown to Thanksgiving?
When we stop for a moment, we realize we have much to be thankful for.

You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

(Psalm 16:11, English Standard Version)

I am thankful for God providing joy in my life.

To understand joy is to understand its source – it comes from God. Happiness may be external, or internal, but is dependent on circumstances or situations of our lives. Joy is independent of circumstances and situations, and is based on our relationship with God.

In this psalm, King David expresses his loyalty to and faith in God, and recounts all the good things that have happened because he chose to walk with God.

In the end of the psalm, David expresses his confidence in God, and the joy that he experiences as a gift from God.

Here is another paraphrase that may be an encouragement:

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

(Psalm 16:11, New Living Translation)

Lord, thank You for loving me, and experiencing Your good pleasure.

Thank You that Your love for me is not based on what I do or don’t do, but it is based on Your love for me because I am made in Your image.

Thank You, Lord, for sustaining us through life. My confidence is not in my own abilities, or in someone else, or something else, Lord – my confidence is in You and You alone.

Thank You for the joy of Your presence as I walk with You each day, rain or shine, hot or cold, in good days and bad.

To be with You is enough.

Amen.

Learning to walk with God and experience His joy,
~kevin