BENEFITS OF DIVINE INTIMACY (2)

“You will show me the path of life; in Your Presence is FULLNESS of JOY; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” – Psalm 16:11

Fullness of Joy and Perpetual Pleasures are precious BENEFITS of DIVINE INTIMACY: “You will show me the path of life; in Your Presence is FULLNESS of JOY; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psa.16:11). The psalmist’s Joy was not dictated by his surrounding, but in his intentional choice of a posture that was triggered by Hope in God’s Presence: “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You” (v.2b). Like David, we can testify that even in dark moments and tough times, we know by our Intimacy with Him, that God is good, and He abides at our right hand always: “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved” (v.8).

Having encountered God’s goodness and faithfulness through Intimacy, David assumed a perspective that made him joyful. His heart was glad, his glory rejoiced, and he had confidence that his flesh would dwell securely and safely. Let’s follow David’s lead, take time to reflect and rejoice. Realising God’s goodness, we would know that everything He allows into our lives will work for our good: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Intimacy with God acknowledges the reality of “Christ in you the hope of Glory” (Col.1:27). Our Lord Jesus Christ came to live in our hearts through the Holy Spirit when we believed in and received Him. This means that we are His home. We are never left alone. We are never far away from the help or the hope we need. God is never more than one thought away from us. The moment we turn our thoughts toward Him, we become aware of how near He is to us. In His Presence, we obey by adjusting or eliminating anything in our lives that is not in harmony with Him. The more we live in harmony with God, the more our Joy, Peace, and fulfilment increase.

Paul was an exemplar in scriptures, of producing the Fruit of Joy through intimacy with God. His epistle to the Philippians has often been referred to as “the Joy Epistle,” as the words “joy” and “rejoice” occur interchangeably. It is noteworthy that Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote this book, but he retained a steadfast Hope that manifested inexplicable Joy (Phi.1: 20-21). The apostle James also wrote: “My brethren, COUNT IT ALL JOY when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (Jam.1:2-3). Peter also testified that Believers can “REJOICE with JOY inexpressible and full of glory” (1Pet.1:8).

Joy is a constant recipe for Christian Living, and a pointer to Divine Intimacy. It is in His Presence that we find Life and Joy.