The world declares their joy of sex, money, and their enjoyment of inflicting pain upon their enemies; but, only the godly have access to absolute joy. “Thou wilt shew [shōw] me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy [Hebrew, simchâh, joy, gladness, mirth, pleasure]; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11 KJV). Our Creator has so constituted us to experience joy in His presence. Have you noticed? Should we not be expecting it? Shouldn’t we be grateful? Joy is the presence of God. Think on these things. “For Thou hast made him most blessed for ever: Thou hast made him exceeding glad [Hebrew, simchâh, joy, gladness, mirth, pleasure] with Thy countenance” (21:6). Just as modern science declares stress adversely affects our physical body, joy strengthens us. “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy [Hebrew, chedvâh, joy, gladness] of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). LORD, may we measure our joy by Your presence. And, may we cultivate Your presence as our most treasured Guest. We look forward to Your soon return and presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.