Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. – Psalm 16:9
A poll conducted in the summer of 2023 showed that the happiest people in America are “older, female, and believe in God.” Yet only 12 percent of the respondents in that poll said they would classify themselves as “very happy.”
For King David, who wrote Psalm 16, his heart was happy because of his relationship with the Lord. He uses the words “delight,” “pleasant,” “glad,” and “joy” to describe his happiness. He found those things in the Lord’s person, in the Lord’s people, in the Lord’s presence, in the Lord’s portion, and in the Lord’s principles. David knew them well because he had immersed himself in the study of God’s Word. In verse 2, David states, “I have no good apart from you.” The apostle James writes, in the New Testament, “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).
Do you delight and find joy and happiness in your relationship with the Lord? Does it bring you joy in the morning to know that when you wake up, He is with you? Double-check your happiness quotient today. If you depend on money, prestige, position, or relationships, they will all fail you sooner or later. However, God never fails. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
Pray for your fellow Americans to find the Source of true happiness, contentment, and glad-heartedness in Jesus Christ. Be ready to share the hope that is in you with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). The Good News of the Gospel is for everyone. Pray for leaders in government to slow down and listen.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 16:9
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
