APRIL 8
Psalm 70:4, “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!”
In Psalm 70, David finds himself in a state of distress, urgently calling out to God for help. His enemies are pursuing him, seeking to do him harm, and David feels powerless against their threats. In his desperation, he pleads with God for justice and deliverance. It is within this context that we encounter our verse, reminding us that there is a joy to be had for those that seek God, that remains undiminished, no matter the circumstances.
Corrie ten Boom once said, “Joy runs deeper than despair.” What she meant is that true joy—that which is experienced in one’s relationship with God—is deeper and more enduring than any suffering we might face. She said that as one who endured unimaginable hardship in a Nazi concentration camp, losing her family and witnessing horrific cruelty. Yet, even in her darkest times, she experienced a deep, abiding joy that had its source in God.
Joy is not the same as happiness. For those who pursue it apart from God, happiness remains an elusive thing. Happiness depends on one’s external condition. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep spiritual reality experienced in one’s relationship with God. The strength and joy Corrie found in God and His promises was more profound than the suffering she faced. And that holds true for us all. The command to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) has its basis in that reality.
The pursuit of happiness does not in itself lead to happiness, but a deep, abiding joy is the experience of those who pursue God.
Application Questions: What is the difference between seeking happiness for its own sake and seeking after God and experiencing true joy as a result? Why is it important to maintain the right perspective when enduring challenging circumstances?
LookingtoJesus 