Saturday, May 24’s devotional “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures” (Psalm 16:11, CSB). These final verses of David’s psalm do not close with a whisper but with a crescendo of joy and confidence. This is no fleeting happiness, but a declaration that true and lasting pleasure is found in the presence of God. As Jeff said, “God preserves those who find their satisfaction in him for eternal pleasures.” In a world of temporary thrills and false hopes, Psalm 16 offers us the deep and unshakable assurance that the Lord Himself is our greatest joy—now and forever.
Jeff reminded us that the problem isn’t our desire for pleasure—it’s the weakness of those desires when they settle for lesser things. Quoting C.S. Lewis, he said, “We are far too easily pleased.” Like the child content with mud pies, we often turn from the banquet of God’s presence to snack on fleeting indulgences. Yet Psalm 16 calls us to pursue pleasure—real pleasure—in the Lord. “It is not the pursuit of pleasure that is the problem,” Jeff emphasized. “You should pursue the greatest pleasure possible… and the greatest pleasure is found in God.”
This passage shows us a life lived with eyes fixed on God. David declares, “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8, CSB). The joy that fills his heart and the security that anchors his soul flows from this daily communion with the Lord. “My heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely” (Psalm 16:9, CSB). Jeff put it plainly: “How do we get this idea that a life centered in the Lord is disappointing and boring? We get it from the other gods.” The Lord is not holding out on us—He is inviting us into His joy.
Jesus is the reason David could speak with such confidence. Christ entered death and conquered it, fulfilling verse 10: “For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay” (Psalm 16:10, CSB). In Christ, this promise is ours too. Because He lives, we can be sure that our joy will outlast the grave. In Him, we have a joy that death cannot take away and pleasures that will never fade.
Lord, preserve me from the false pleasures that lure my heart away from You. Teach me to seek my joy in Your presence, to meditate on Your Word, and to live with You always before me. Thank You that in Christ I have hope beyond the grave and pleasures forevermore. Help me to taste and see that You are good, and to find my deepest satisfaction in You. Amen.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.