The Origin of the Joy

Psalm 43

There is a lot of talk about being happy. Of longing and searching to have joy, to have happiness ~ sometimes the likes of which are confused. We live in a time and culture that seeks deeply. Yet in that seeking, there is deception. We turn to money, careers, people, religious practices, sex - you name it, we try to fill up with it. People are scrambled as they search and the atmosphere of longing becomes blurry.
Way back when people were settling the land, looking for the best property to build a home and live, they would long for the land with a river running through. Or land near another body of water. Near a source of life. Water meant a drink for herds of animals; water meant nourishment for crops; water meant ease of transporting goods. Life. Sustenance.

In Psalm 43, the author is in a desperate place. He is hurt. He is oppressed. He is discouraged and sad.
Yet, he goes to the source. He goes to the place where JOY originates. He knows where to find true joy. Not fleeting happy feelings, but truth. Not a quick fix, but lasting hope. Not shallow feel-goods, but deep-rooted connection. Not self discovery, but self surrender.

"I will go to the altar of God, to God - the source of all my JOY." (Ps.43:4, NLT)

The Psalmist calls out, "Take up my cause!", (vs.1)
"Defend me ...", (vs.1)
"Rescue me ...", (vs.1)
"Guide me ...", (vs.3)
"Lead me ...", (vs.3)

But then,

"There I will go ... I will praise You ... I will put my hope in You ..." (vs.4,5)

The writer knew where to plant his hope. He knew to dig deep and soak in the wellspring of life. He knew where to find truth. How to be filled. He knew to go to the real source of all JOY. 



Lesson in the journey ~ seek with wisdom to find the true source of JOY.