A Prayer for Fullness of Joy
By: Kristine Brown
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV
I recently met up with two friends I hadn’t seen in a long time. It seemed like forever since we’d laughed, swapped stories, and simply enjoyed being together. The time I spent in their company gave my weary soul the boost of joy it needed.
I hadn’t realized until that day with friends how parched my spirit had become. So much despair in the world was affecting my attitude. Grief and disappointment added to the burden of hopelessness I had chosen to carry. Sure, I had plenty of reasons to be joyful. But I had forgotten to actively seek joy in my everyday life. When we forget to seek joy, weariness will gradually take over.
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 16, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Through these beautiful words, we find hope for when we need more joy in life. The joy we long for can always be found in God’s presence.
Time spent with God will replenish the joy we’ve lost. As we invite Him to lead us each day, we will discover new pleasures. Just like my much-needed date with good friends, we need to prioritize time with the Lord. So, when weariness or despair overwhelms us, the answer is to draw close to Him. Let’s invite God in, right where we are, and allow Him to restore our joy today.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for reminding me that true joy can be found by having you in my life. Forgive me for letting the struggles of this world steal my joy. I come into your presence today, ready to experience more joy.
Psalm 23:6 reminds me that “your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…” Thank you for this promise. With your goodness and love right beside me, I can always find reasons to be joyful. Lord, as I see others who are hurting, help me reach out and share the renewed joy I’ve found in you.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
For more spiritual growth resources, check out this free digital download from today’s devotion writer Kristine Brown, 100 of God’s Promises for Your Unraveled Heart. You’ll find weekly encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at her website, kristinebrown.net. Kristine is the author of the book, Cinched: Living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing God.
Related Resource: 5 Things Parents Need to Tell Their Kids About War Right Now
When war dominates the headlines, parents are left asking an important question: How do we talk to our kids about it? In this episode of March or Die, Jeremy Stalnecker shares practical and biblical principles for guiding young people through confusing and frightening global events.
Drawing from his experience as a Marine who lived through the wars following 9/11, Jeremy explains why moments of global conflict can become powerful opportunities for parents to teach their children about courage, faith, and moral clarity. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, parents can use them to help their kids understand fear, the reality of evil in the world, and the responsibility we have to stand for what is right.
This conversation explores how parents can alleviate fear, explain why conflict exists, and demonstrate a faith-filled response when the world seems chaotic. Jeremy also discusses the importance of teaching children the difference between necessary and unnecessary violence, why standing against evil matters, and how faith in God provides stability even in uncertain times. If this episode of March or Die helped your spiritual perspective, be sure to follow the show on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Was this resource helpful? Add Christianity.com as a trusted source for Biblical content.
