September 28
Joy and the
Presence of God
Psalm 43:4
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy; and I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.
Daily Steps
This final entry on The Joy of the Lord (Day 271) brings the focus back to the ultimate, constant source of the believer's happiness: the very Presence of God. The Psalmist declares that when he approaches God, he approaches God, my exceeding joy.
The peace in this principle is found in ultimate delight:
The Priority of Approach: The Psalmist states, Then I will go to the altar of God. The altar represents the place of sacrifice, worship (Day 252), and communion with God. This act confirms that the first response to God's goodness is to seek His presence (The Ultimate Presence, Day 212) above all else.
The Exceeding Joy: The motive for this approach is profound: to God, my exceeding joy. The word "exceeding" suggests a joy that is overwhelming, abundant, and transcends all other earthly happiness (The Fountain of Delights, Day 262). This reiterates that God Himself, and not His gifts, is the Source of Joy (Day 263).
The Legacy of Worship: This overwhelming joy naturally leads to worship: and I will praise You with the harp. The Legacy of Joy (Day 270) is expressed through public and private thanksgiving (Day 266), which further deepens the believer's peace and commitment to faith (Day 254).
Your peace is secured by ultimate delight. Embrace the Legacy of Joy today by seeking the Presence of God as your highest priority, knowing that when you approach Him, you approach the boundless source of your exceeding joy and lasting praise.
Reflective Question
If you described God using the Psalmist's words, would you truthfully call Him your exceeding joy? What is one way you can make your personal space (your "altar") a place of genuine, heart-felt worship today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to make other things my source of happiness. I thank You that You are my exceeding joy. I pray for the discipline to seek Your presence at my "altar" every day, recognizing that all true delight is found in You alone. Secure my peace today, as I offer You my life as an act of worship and praise. Amen.
