DCLM Daily Manna, Wednesday January 27, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi

Topic: Joy in God's Presence [Wednesday January 27, 2016]

Text: Psalm 84:1-12

Key Verse: "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness" (Psalm 84:10).

The greatest desire of man is to find peace and happiness in the things that make life fulfilling. Unfortunately, for many people, this remains an empty aspiration because all their efforts are in the wrong direction. Such people go through life without realising their dreams or enjoying the true essence of living.

The psalmist was different. He yearned to get away from the daily hustle and bustle of life to find a place of rest and quiet meditation in the presence of the Lord, in His house. He recognised that those who dwell in the house of the Lord were blessed, especially because they tended to draw strength from Him and obtain grace to walk in His ways. Often, they begin to thirst more for God because of the experiences of life which are likened to a walk through the "valley of Baca", a period when God seems far, when prayers seem unanswered and when hopes for a change seem to fade away. Yet, those who persevere in trusting God and walk uprightly before Him at such a time will find, not just satisfaction, but strength to continue in life's journey.

God becomes "a Sun and Shield" over them. He gives them more grace and withholds no good thing from them. Whatever trial and tribulation, struggles and tears we experience in life, when we are in the presence of God, we not only draw strength, but discover that adversities have become stepping stones to God's faithfulness and blessings. When we pray, God answers and grants all we need to live for Him.

Thought for the day: God's presence offers life's greatest needs: joy and pleasure forever.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 37-38

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.