A More Abundant JOY

“You have given me greater joy

    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.

 In peace I will lie down and sleep,

    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”

--Psalm 4:7-8

What do you need? I mean, what is the one thing you need more than anything else?

For some of us the answer to that might change on the day. For other people perhaps you know exactly what that one thing is.

For the writer of this Psalm, there is nothing that was more valued, nothing was more needed than an abundant harvest. The harvest determined not only the lifestyle, but more importantly the livelihood of the entire community. The harvest was essential for survival.

And in some ways it still is. I am not a farmer, but the harvest that I bring in is essential for my family. It is what supports and sustains my family…to an extent.

True JOY is found, not in what we have, but in whose we are.

This JOY, is more abundant in our lives than being blessed with great resources, great wealth, great security, even great possessions and resources.

            JOY, as mentioned in the Bible, is referred to as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). This means that as part of being a born again Christian, there are evidences of this Spirit filled life. JOY, is one of those. This is a non-situational and non-circumstancial JOY. It is not dependent on any other externals, it is completely a gift from God to you for being His child.

It is with this “Greater JOY” that the Psalmist can lie down and sleep in peace (verse 8).

I have never had an issues lying down to sleep. For some reason, much to my wife’s frustration at times, as soon as I lie down I am asleep. A peaceful sleep, however, is different. A peaceful sleep can be found as a result of this “Greater JOY”.

And this JOY is a gift. God has freely given it.

Today, instead of focusing on your harvests, and how unabundant they seem in your eyes, focus on what is greater. Focus on who is greater. And ask to receive this “Greater JOY” and to really feel it in your life today.

Today, “trust in the Lord” (verse 5) and be sure of this: “The Lord will answer when you call to Him” (verse 3).

What is it that you need to trust the Lord for? Would you write it down on a piece of paper and set time to pray about it every day? No, really, I am serious. And ask a friend to pray about it with you. And if you don’t have anyone to ask to pray over this thing with you then email or call me and I will pray about it with you.

What is it that you are seeking an answer from God for? Keep asking. The first verse to Psalm 4 actually says this:

“Answer me when I call to you,

    O God who declares me innocent.

Free me from my troubles.

    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.”

Are you ready to move from seeking temporary happiness to experiencing true and eternal JOY?

Can you accept the “Greater JOY” that Jesus is offering you today as a gift, a gift greater even greater than material possessions or what you think you need? That’s what is being offered to us. What in the world could we ever say in response to such an extravagant gift?

Just, “thank you”.

(Excerpt from Pastor Michael’s upcoming book: JOY in the Psalms)