Joy Indeed

When God’s people gather in His presence, joy overflows. Joy Indeed shows how true gladness is found in Him, not in what the world offers.

“All of these … came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel [ …] There was joy indeed in Israel.”—1 Chronicles 12:38, 40 NASB

Hunted by King Saul, for all practical purposes David was an outlaw, the kind of person usually avoided by others. Yet people came from all over Israel, even from the tribes of the distant north, to join David in his wilderness headquarters. The Bible says, “Day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God” (v. 22).

Why would people come to join him? They sensed the blessing of God on his life and felt that David should be Israel’s new king. Even though his headquarters were in the wilderness, it became a place of abundance. Traveling great distances, people brought huge quantities of food. Joy filled the people’s hearts. There was “joy indeed.”

This is what happens when God’s people sense His presence and are united in serving Him. This scene describes hearts filled with contagious gladness—a magnet for others!

David later would write, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11).

God desires this kind of joy for His people. It’s a joy that can’t be found in worldly success, riches, power, or carnal pleasures. It’s found only in Him.

Today, turn your heart from the cares and concerns of this world and enter the presence of the Lord. Fill your life with His Word. Fellowship with Him. Worship Him and bask in “joy indeed.”

Reflection Question: What steps can you take to experience fullness of joy in God’s presence?