O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.

Psalm 84:12 NLT

Do you seek joy? I do.

I mean the joy that is blessing and happiness in life.

Then don’t miss this truth…

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For God is our sun and shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you. (Psalm 84:10-12 NLT).

Did you notice the good life is not actually good?

The good life is in the homes of the… wicked.

Yet, true joy and real good things from God are found in life with God… within God’s house.

So… the good things in God’s house… are not the same as the good life on earth.

The real good things from God will bring true joy and happiness… This is life in God’s house.

David asked God for one thing that he sought the very most… to live in God’s house all the days of his life (Psalm 27:4).

We should ask for that too… because it leads to joy!

And trusting in God’s Son, Jesus, lets you into God’s house … Jesus said, “I am the way … no one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:26 NLT).

I am so thankful that Jesus lets you and me into God’s house… into a life of good things from the Lord.

What are some of these good things?

The Word of God explains these good things such as… 

Don’t be dejected or sad, the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT). 

This kind of joy means rejoicing and gladness.

Rejoicing and gladness in the Lord… IS your strength. 

Joy is strength!

This is supernatural strength that Jesus gives you and me.

Even when I don’t feel like it, be obedient… rejoice and be glad.

Keep my eyes on Jesus… look for what He is doing that is good.

In the quiet of our hearts, Jesus will strengthen you and me when we do that!

Why? Who are we trusting in? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Trust Him. Rejoice and be glad in Him. Find strength!

Lord, in the quiet of my heart, You speak to me telling me that You want me to have joy, true joy, and encouraging me to trust You, to trust Your Word that leads me the right way, showing me that real good things and strength are only found in You. Help me trust in you more. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Stacy A. Davis