PSALMS FOR OUR JOYS

PR EVANGELINE CHEONG

As we continue our journey in the Psalms, I looked for places in the Psalms where the Psalmists express happiness and joy. Yet as I searched, I found something interesting: The good times for God’s people often comes with God’s presence and action in their lives!

Let’s look at the examples:

• Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers. but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2
• But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6
• My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure… You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:9,11
• The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7
• For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. Psalm 92:4
• I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1
• Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. Psalm 43:3-4

As the world seeks to pursue happiness, they do not realise that true happiness does not come from things or circumstances, but the Psalmists have found that true happiness and wholeness (shalom) is found in God. Even if the things in life vanish or circumstances turn grim, we have a good God who protects and speaks truth and love to weary hearts. May your week ahead be filled with joy in God’s presence.