Finding It In Him

You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11 (New American Standard Bible)

I see three things in this verse that I very much want in my own life and so does God. They are God’s direction, fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore. What a far cry from those qualities that use to be prevalent in my mind when I thought of what God intended for me! Something is wrong when more attention is given to outward show rather than what is going on internally.

For years I could not figure out why standards, rules, and areas of separation seemed to be my main focus and that of other believers. Then it dawned on me it was because they were so assessable. It was easier to compare myself with another person’s actions and I could always find someone who didn’t quite measure up to my “spirituality.” But the heart is another matter. That is a place that cannot be compared to another person. That is the place where God alone sees all. And that is the place from where the outward behavior must stem. No wonder God said that those who compare themselves among themselves are not wise. Comparisons in that way do not please Him. Honesty in the inward parts does!

If I see one capsule theme for this verse it is found in the word presence. That word epitomizes cherished fellowship, undivided attention, genuine love, and a desire to be close. When those words characterize our walk with God we will be the recipients of direction, joy, and pleasure in abundant and ongoing measures! But far too often we look to people to give us what we long for instead of going to the only true Source.

The best thing that ever happened in my Christian life was when God began to direct me to people who in turn pointed me back to Him as my source for those things. It followed decades of thinking I would be alright if I could just bond with the right person. Time and time again I found they could not give me what I craved the most, in the amounts I wanted, and at the constant level I wanted it. It was like standing near a sprinkler with a cup in hand trying to catch a few drops of water to quench my thirst. When all the while the Fountain of Living Water beaconed me to come to Him.

It took a long time for me to realize my problem was not that I had needs. My problem was where I looked to have the needs met and satisfied. For me, it was in relationships with Christians whom I most admired and wanted to be like. God had to show me He was the One for me to look to and He wanted to bring out the uniqueness of who He created me to be. Am I still learning? You bet! But I treasure the journey I am on to find Him as my All in All.

Father, I did not always know it was You I needed. Not just for eternal life but for abundant life. Quench my deepest thirst with Yourself. Amen.