Joy In His Presence

“You have made known to me the paths of life; You will make me full of gladness with Your presence.” - Acts 2:28

There is no better feeling in the world than when your heart is overflowing with joy…that feeling of pure contentment knowing that there is nowhere else you’d rather be. Those moments are rare on this side of heaven; but one day, for all who have trusted in Christ for salvation, it will be how we live for all eternity.

Can you imagine it? No worry. No hurrying to the next thing. No sadness or anger. No regret or guilt or shame. No boredom or apathy. Because as believers in Christ we have the Holy Spirit living in us, we get glimpses of this reality now. Through the power of His Spirit we can choose not to act in anger – but we can’t take away the things that make us feel angry. We can choose to be content – but we cannot change the tough circumstances that cause fear and worry to creep up. One day, however, there will be nothing to worry about…nothing to cry over…no reason to feel shame or regret. That is what Christ followers have to look forward to when God calls us home.

However, it isn’t only the absence of bad things, but most importantly the presence of God, that make our hearts full of gladness. Notice that Acts 2:28 doesn’t say, “You will make me full of gladness in Your presence,” but rather, “You will make me full of gladness with Your presence.” The meaning of the Greek word “presence” in this verse means, “face and countenance.” In other words, one day it will be God’s very face that fills our hearts with gladness.

We will be able to gaze upon His countenance…to see the One who formed our inmost parts. We will hear the voice that spoke the world into being and called Jesus out of the grave. We will see Jesus – the Lamb of God – seated at His rightful place of honor and glory. We will join with the chorus of angels who never stop proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” He will fill us with gladness with His presence.

Have you trusted Christ with your whole heart? There is nothing in all creation that can satisfy you except the One who made you and knows you inside and out. He is mighty and holy…and He stands waiting to adopt you as His own child through the gift of His Son.

Dear Father, Thank You for the gift of Your presence now through the Holy Spirit. Because of Him we do not have to wait for heaven to know You. As believers, may we long for the day when we will finally meet You face to face. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.