You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psa 16:11)
Multiple paths lie before us each and every day; but not every path leads to life.
Promises of joy are relentlessly advertised at every turn; but not all joys are full.
Pleasures of varieties beyond our wildest imaginations are alluringly offered with easy access, no strings attached, and minimal consequences; but not all pleasures last forevermore.
The path of life? Your Creator has revealed it in his word. Fullness of joy? It can be found in his presence. Pleasures forevermore? They are graciously available at his right hand.
Which means?
I can’t ignore him, pave my own trail, and end up with life. I can’t forsake him, embrace idols, and experience joy to the fullest. I can’t rebel against him, indulge myself as if I’m King of the universe, and inherit pleasures forevermore.
Not every path leads to life. Not all joys are full. Not every pleasure lasts forever. But on HIS path? Life. In HIS presence? Fullness of joy. At HIS right hand? Pleasures. Forevermore.
Listen to Psalm 16:11 today. Don’t concede life. Don’t chase cheap joy. Don’t settle for pleasures with an expiration date. Follow his lead, abide in him, entrust your soul to him, and you’ll miss out on some things. But they can’t even begin to compare with what you’ll gain.