October 25, 2026

Finding Joy in His Presence

I have a favorite dessert that makes me happy: cake and ice cream. After a long day of work, or in a stressful moment, it feels like something I deserve. We all have those things. Small rewards we reach for, especially when we’ve poured out a lot of ourselves. Our culture celebrates that feeling. Chase happiness; you’ve earned it. But happiness, like my favorite dessert, doesn’t last. And too much of a good thing can quietly work against us.

We know what it feels like to have too much sugar. It tastes good going down, yet too much can make us sick. A lot of what we chase works the same way. Does it feel good? Yes. Is it best for us? Not always.

David understood this tension. He wrote Psalm 51 after failing God in a serious way, and notice what he asks for. Not comfort. Not a reward. He asks to remain in God’s presence, and he asks God to restore the joy of his salvation. That is the difference. Happiness depends on our circumstances and fades. Joy is anchored in God’s presence and holds. So today, before we reach for the next quick lift, let’s pause and ask: where am I really looking for joy? Then let’s bring that honest answer to God. His presence is the one place joy never runs out.

Prayer: Father, thank you that real joy is found in you. When we chase lesser things, draw us back to your presence and restore the joy of our salvation. Amen.