Lasting Joy 恒久的喜乐
Dexu Xia
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. Psalm 16:11
Today's Scripture Psalm 16
Today's Insights The superscription of Psalm 16 says that it’s “a miktam of David,” which some scholars believe is a musical term. But we don’t know what prompted David to write the psalm. His prayer, however, is for God’s continued care in dangerous times. This theme caused both Peter in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:25) and Paul at Antioch (13:35-37) to cite Psalm 16:8-11 as anticipating God’s ultimate provision in Jesus. The Bible Knowledge Commentary adds: “So the words of David are also typological; they transcended his own experience and became historically true in Christ.” And in Jesus we find our true source of joy.
Today's Devotional In 2014, residents of a village in Norway erected a traffic sign that encouraged people crossing the street to do so in a silly manner. The intent was to bring a few moments of humor—for “silly walkers” and onlookers alike—to brighten one another’s days. These brief glimpses of silliness were a momentary encouragement to downcast spirits.
The Bible acknowledges that we’ll have seasons of difficulty and hardship, causing us to feel demoralized and sad. The book of Lamentations and many psalms give voice to such pain. Yet the Scriptures also point us to what can bring us lasting joy in all circumstances: the presence of God. David penned the words of Psalm 16 with an eye to an eternal future with Him. Those of us alive today—after the death and resurrection of Jesus—know God’s presence even now through the Holy Spirit.
Though they may only last a short time, humor and levity can lift our spirits in times of difficulty. However, to experience the lasting joy that sustains us through the most painful seasons of our lives, we must “take refuge” in God (v. 1) who counsels and instructs us (v. 7). He’ll never abandon us; instead, He’ll “make known to [us] the path of life” and “fill [us] with joy” (v. 11).
Reflect & Pray What brings you joy during seasons of difficulty? How does God’s presence lift your spirits?
Dear God, thank You for being with me through both good and bad days. You’re the source of my joy.
By Kirsten Holmberg
“祢将生命的道路指示我，使我在祢面前充满喜乐。”（诗篇 16:11
今日经文 诗篇 16 篇
今日心得 诗篇16篇的题词说，它是“大卫的圣乐”（a miktam），一些学者认为这是一个音乐术语。但我们不知道是什么促使大卫写下这篇诗篇。然而，诗篇中大卫的祷告是祈求上帝在他遭难时继续看顾。这个主题让使徒彼得在五旬节的讲道中（使徒行传2:25）和保罗在安提阿的讲道中（使徒行传13:35-37）都引用诗篇16:8-11，提示上帝在耶稣里对我们的终极供应。《圣经知识注释》补充道：“因此，大卫的话也是预表性的；它们超越了他自身的经历，并在基督里成为历史性的真理。”在耶稣里，我们找到了真正的喜乐源泉。
今日灵修 2014年，挪威一个村庄的居民竖起一块交通牌，鼓励人们以滑稽的方式过马路。其目的是为“滑稽的行人”和旁观者带来一些幽默，让彼此的生活充满阳光。这些短暂的滑稽瞬间，给低落的心灵带来了短暂的鼓励。
圣经承认，我们会经历艰难困苦，以致感到沮丧和悲哀。耶利米哀歌和许多诗篇都表达了这种痛苦。然而，圣经也指出，无论在何种境况，上帝的同在都能带来持久的喜乐。大卫写下诗篇16篇，着眼于与上帝共度永恒的未来。我们这些在耶稣死而复活之后仍然活着的人，即使在现在，也能通过圣灵感受到上帝的同在。
幽默和轻松的气氛可能转瞬即逝，但是它们却能在困境中振奋我们的精神。然而，要想体验那能帮助我们度过人生最痛苦时的持久喜乐，我们必须“投靠”上帝（1节），祂会指引和教导我们（7节）。祂绝不会抛弃我们，反而会“指示我们生命的道路”，并“叫我们满有喜乐”（11节）。
反思与祷告 在困境中，是什么带给你喜乐？上帝的同在如何振奋你的精神？亲爱的上帝，感谢祢与我同在，无论顺境逆境。祢是我喜乐的源泉。作者：可斯顿