God's Joy Is More Joyous
One of my favorite verses in the Psalms comes from Psalm 4:7, where David says, "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound."
Here in verse 7, David shows us that God-given joy is more joyful than anything else the world could offer. When David says "their grain and wine abound" it meant that Israel was enjoying economic and agricultural prosperity. Life was good in Israel. The economy was rolling, the vats were full, and the storehouses were loaded. People could have much bread and much wine night after night, and be merry.
But this merriness of heart could not compare to what God had given to David: joy that was found only in God Himself. What's interesting about verse 7, is that it appears in a Psalm of distress. David cried out, "Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?"
What this shows us is that God given joy can be more joyous in trials than worldly joy in times of abundance. David didn't need grain and wine to be joyful and happy. David needed God. He needed His presence. And when David was assured in verse 3 that "the LORD hears when I call to Him", then he could say God has given me more joy than the world has with their grain and wine.
This week, don't believe the lie that material things can give you more joy than the Maker of all things. Remember that "the LORD hears when I call to Him". And in His presence is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.
Prayer: Father, help us to remember that the joy you give us is both fuller and more satisfying than the joy found in this world. It is with us in the valley, and in the dark times. It will sustain us and give us endurance. It is what we need. So Father, fill our hearts once again with the joy of our salvation. Remind our hearts of your goodness and kindness. Remind us how we have been adopted as your children even after rebelling against you. In Jesus's Name, Amen.
~ Pastor Alexander
