Finding Joy

16Jan
Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; 
In Thy Presence is fullness of joy; 
In Thy right hand are pleasures forevermore.
-Psalm 16:11(KJV)


I was glad to see Psalm 16:11 among the many Lectionary verses, because it happens to be one I know by heart. This Psalm has the words “Mikhtam of David” written above it. I looked it up: it means a “golden” or precious song. I can imagine David singing this with his harp. The ancient Hebrew words probably sound as beautiful as the meaning. 


Why did I memorize these words? They are comforting, full of promise and restorative power. The first promise is guidance, which I daily need. I often forget to ask, and I just follow my own plan. It’s better when I ask for guidance–at least I’ve learned that much. 


The next promise is fullness of joy. Somewhere in my middle school or high school years, I discovered that word “joy”. It had a private meaning for me, and I never talked about it. I knew what it was, because I had experienced it in the presence of beauty–sunsets and trees, and since I grew up in the north, the way the ice formed on a brook and the way the evening shadows are blue on snow. 


In those early years I looked for joy, because it’s hard to grow up, and I was often unhappy. Most young people are probably not as happy as we would wish them to be! It’s only later that I learned that the best happiness is being useful to someone else. 


As I came into adulthood I connected God with joy. When I was singing I experienced it. My college voice teacher was a Christian, and taught me to go after the joy in singing. She was tough, and quite a character, but in lessons with her, there was something indescribable that I can only attribute to God’s presence. I can’t describe it, but I recognize it when it’s there! 


In God’s right hand are pleasures–to me, those are the things on my gratitude list. And the word forevermore promises me that there will always be something inviting gratitude. If I’m troubled or worried, this is a good verse to have in my heart.


Musical Reflection - Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, 'Choral'


O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty:

Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works;

that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve

you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all

things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


-for Joy in Creation, BCP p. 814

Joy

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