FULLNESS OF JOYSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: The presence of the Lord comes when you offer praises to Him. The Psalmist says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalms 16:11)
When would you experience pleasures forevermore? The Bible says, “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel” (Psalms 22:3). The presence of the Lord brings fullness of joy and the presence of the Lord comes when you offer praises to Him as a family.
Try to recollect the last time when you along with your family members gave praises to the Almighty God. Do you offer personal praises to the Lord? King David says, “His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalms 34:1). Think of all the goodness that the Lord has given you and continually praise His name for His mercies and grace.
I have set the Lord upon my right hand and therefore I shall not be moved says king David. The only way to drive away division in a family is to offer praises to the Lord and the presence of God would descend upon you and your family. The Lord will change all the bitterness and disagreements in your family. God will grant you oneness, harmony, pleasures forevermore, and the fullness of joy by His presence. This is the experience of a single man.
We read of a certain man named Cornelius who looked to the Lord always (Acts. 10:2). His home was a place from where prayers and praises were ceaselessly sent to heaven. From such a family that seeks the Lord diligently descendants who fear God will come forth. Do you fear the Lord? It is clearly stated that a man who fears the Lord is blessed.
Cornelius thirsted for the presence of the Lord. “For I (God) will pour water on him who is thirsty (Isaiah 44:3). Every family that prays earnestly for the divine joy would receive it from the Lord. Do you have such a desire to thirst for the presence of the Lord? As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. (Psalms 42:1). Are you reading the word of God daily? Do you fear the Lord? Cornelius was not aware of God but he had the desire to know God and earnestly searched for Him. He gladly welcomes Peter into his house and expresses his delight to hear God’s word through him along with His family members. ‘But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away’ (1 Corinthians 13:10).
When you are filled with the Holy Sprit exceedingly great joy comes into your heart. “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory’ (1 Peter 1:8).
Prayer
Almighty God
Help me to search diligently for You because Your presence alone can bring full of joy to my heart. Your divine joy alone can carry me through safely in this world that is full of evil. Give me the grace to offer prayers and praises personally and also as a family this day. Bless me and all the members of my family this day.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen |