
Written by Calvonia Radford 7.25.2022
“I have always kept the Lord in front of me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. That’s why I’m so happy! That’s why I am full of joy! That’s why my body lives in hope!” Psalms 16:8-9
A few years ago, many of us could be seen singing or dancing to Pharrell Williams’ song Happy. We sang it to acknowledge genuine happiness or to usher ourselves into a state of happiness.
I still like the song lyrics and love the beat. Yet, truth be told, I can sing and dance to the catchy beat all day long and never become legitimately happy. Why? Because happiness is determined by what is happening.
Happy –
- fortunate and convenient
- Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment
- Having a sense of confidence in or satisfaction with (a person, arrangement, or situation)
Happiness is rooted in current circumstance. When we think the circumstance is bad, then happiness flees. In contrast, joy can share space with other emotions — sadness, fear, anger … even unhappiness. That’s because happiness is externally motivated, while joy comes from within. It’s a fruit of the spirit exuded through those who are planted in Christ.
“Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and when we find joy it’s infused with comfort and wrapped in peace. It’s an attitude of the heart and spirit, often synonymous with but not limited to following Christ Jesus and pursuing a Christian life.” The Difference Between Joy and Happiness (compassion.com)
In this passage, the psalmist declares that he has kept the Lord in front of him. David has set his gaze on the Lord as his leader, always keeping him in scope of vision and range of hearing.
“I have always kept the Lord in front of me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. That’s why I’m so happy! That’s why I am full of joy! That’s why my body lives in hope!” Psalms 16:8-9
David’s decision to keep his eyes on Jesus had major benefits. Let’s see what they were.
Motivated to Meditate Psalms 46:1-3
When we focus on Jesus our hope, we find ourselves pondering on his goodness, recalling his wondrous works. In Psalms 46:1-3 David thought about God being a refuge in troubling times. He testified that even in earth shattering circumstances, his ground remained steady. I like how he closed with the word Selah. Selah is a musical symbol prompting the musician or singer to pause. As a musician, David uses this note not only to pause musically but to ponder and take time to reflect.
Filled with joy Psalm 16:11
When we go through challenges, we tend to step back from God. We seldom pray and read our bible. Many stop attending Church and rarely tune in to preaching online. Yet, when we lean into God, we find joy in sorrowful seasons because Jesus is the source of joy. When we crawl up in his lap and allow him to comfort us our joy is filled to the brim.
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV
Embraced Hope Psalm 62:5, NASB
King David had experienced all kinds of trauma and drama. Some self-induced and some brought on by enemies. He was a competent and awarded warrior who had slain ten thousand, however he found his confidence in God. (I Samuel 18:7)
“My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.” Psalm 62:5 NASB
David, a Type A personality strategically planning a hot pursuit, knew when and how to sit still and wait on God his only hope, to win the battle for him. And like David, we too must learn to find our anchor in Jehovah Nissi, The Lord Our Banner. He surrounds us on every battlefield and gives us the victory. We can expect God to win all our battles.
David confessed that his body lived in hope. His hope did not come and go like a so-called friend. It was never-ceasing, unfailing and often persistent. Hope takes up residence when we position ourselves near God. No matter what we are currently facing we can lean in to the one who gives us joy unspeakable.
Prayer: Father, the ebb and flow of life can get us down and makes lose faith. What a privilege to know you the source of hope and the giver of joy. Help us to resist the urge to walk away from you but to remember when we lean in, we find everything we need to carry on. In Jesus name, Amen!
Ponder: When was the last time you felt genuine joy? If it’s been a while, write down each of the scriptures highlighted in this blog and read them aloud, over and over until you sense God’s presence.
Copyright © 2022 Realtalk859. All Rights Reserved.
This blog post may also be found linked on the following sites.



