1 Chronicles 16:27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
Today’s verse is a song that was sung on the day the Ark of the Covenant arrived in Jerusalem. It celebrates the Lord and praises Him for all He has done. The people were joyous at the return of the Ark to among them since it was where God met the people in Old Testament times. Having it in their city, they were full of joy and excitement, singing songs like today’s verse.
But notice that today’s verse also speaks of joy. Yesterday we learned that joy is a gift of God and nothing we do can give us true, Biblical joy. It is not dependent on circumstances or actions. It is truly a gift of God that we find by walking daily with Him and living in His presence. That is why the Israelites were so joyous at the return of the Ark to amongst them. Their source of strength and joy, where He dwelt, had come back to them.
Strength and joy are His dwelling place… Not only should we feel joy at His presence, but He dwells in strength and joy. When we enter His presence, we experience His strength and joy. We gain strength and joy from Him. Our focus on Him fills us with His blessings, manifesting itself in these things. No amount of service we perform, works we do, or efforts on our own will give us the strength and joy that He grants.
Let’s make every effort today to enter into His presence and experience the strength and joy He makes available to us.
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