Thursday, May 22’s devotional. Joy is not a solitary pursuit. Psalm 16:3 says, “As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.” David recognized that the joy God gives is not just found in private moments of devotion, but in the company of those who treasure the Lord. As Jeff said in the sermon, “The saints, the gathering, the community of believers are the excellent ones… in whom is all my delight.” God has designed our joy to be shared and strengthened within the fellowship of His people.
The world will often tempt us with its own version of community—one shaped by self-interest, shallow entertainment, or shared rebellion. But these counterfeit fellowships only multiply sorrow. David contrasts these false companions when he says, “The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply” (Psalm 16:4). When we pursue joy outside of God and His people, we find heartache. But when we root ourselves in Christ and surround ourselves with those who also delight in Him, our joy is deepened and protected.
Jeff reminded us, “Among God’s people you will—you should—be finding those who are delighted… who are finding their pleasure and their good in the Lord, and encouraging you and giving you that pull in that direction.” This is one of God’s sweetest gifts: a community that helps keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Just as David delighted in the saints, so must we. They are not only companions on the journey but safeguards of our joy. “Joy has to be protected,” Jeff said, “it has to be preserved,” and God uses His people to do just that.
Let us ask ourselves today: Do we delight in the community of believers? Do we invest in friendships that stir our affections for Christ? Or do we find ourselves drifting toward isolation or shallow connections that pull us away from the Lord? Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to “watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together.” God has given us His people not only for support, but for joy.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your people. Help me to delight in the fellowship of those who love You. Forgive me for the times I have withdrawn or chased false companions. Stir my heart to seek joy with those who find their satisfaction in You. Preserve me from the sorrows of isolation and worldly influence. Surround me with brothers and sisters who will encourage me, correct me, and point me to Christ. Make me such a person in the lives of others. Let our joy be full as we walk together 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.