1. Read 2 times:

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

2. Recite using the acronym:

Y M K T M T P O L ; I Y P T I F O J ; A Y R H A P F .  PSALM 15:11

3. Read Full Passage HERE

4. Dive Deeper:

This short passage unpacks some of the deepest questions on the hearts of mankind...How should I live my life? How can I find joy? What will satisfy me? The answer: God. This is a Sunday school answer for a reason; it’s true, powerful, and simple. The path of life is found in the wisdom of God, and true joy and unceasing satisfaction is found in His presence.

If Christ is the one who makes known to us the path of life, then without Him your path will inevitably lead to death. Christ is the light unto our path, and He isn’t merely our tour guide through the mountains and valleys of life, but He’s our Good Shepherd. He’s our protector, our Savior, our joy giver, and our friend.

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:14

The good-narrow-lifegiving path is found in following the direction of our protecter one step at a time. This means you may only know your next step, there may be uncertainty in the step, but our faith which moves us, overflows in the presence of the one who gives it. We can have joy in uncertainty, trial, and pain, because we know the One who has walked through it before us, and who knows what’s on the other side—weighty glory forever. We may not know why we are led where we are, but we can have confidence in the one who does. He not only gives faith in the narrow path of life, but gives fullness of joy in His presence. We have a Savior who dwells with us and walks with us.

Life is found through following the good shepherd.

Fullness of joy is found in the presence of our Savior.

Eternal pleasures are found at the seat next to the King.

If God is your mighty fortress, wonderful counselor, and sovereign Lord, then He will also be your life giver, way maker, and good shepherd. Freedom is found in following the King of Kings. The sorrows of those who run after another shall multiply, but the joys of those who follow the King will surely be multiplied. (Psalm 16:4)

I believe that one of the most beautiful promises of the Gospel is that we have a God who goes out before us in the battle, who walks next to us as a friend in the storm, and a shepherd who protects us on every side. The psalmist sings first of the God who goes before us as both our conquering King and humble shepherd, and the friend who sits with us in the darkest moments, giving us everlasting satisfaction through His presence alone. This is a God and King that I want to serve.

5. Prayer:

Lord,

You alone show me the way to life. You grant me the joy of living that life in your presence and in you alone are pleasures forevermore. In the midst of the battle, the storm, or the uncertainty, YOU alone are my safety. You are my refuge and my strength. I have nothing good apart from you. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

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