Most of us experience joy from time to time. There is the joy of achievements like graduation, job promotion, and financial rewards. We also experience joy in relationships like marriage, childbirth, Christmas, and family celebrations. I know the joy of watching my children and now my grandchildren participate in sports, music, and drama. But these joys do not compare with the deeper joy given to us from God.
Psalm 86:4-5 says, “Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” Joy that endures and reaches deep down into our hearts, is joy that gladdens our soul. God, in His abounding steadfast love, goodness, and forgiveness offers this soul gladdening joy to all who seek Him with all their whole hearts, minds, and souls.
