DESTINATION APPROACHING - Pursuing True Joy
DESTINATION APPROACHING
Pursuing True Joy
Each Saturday, we take a breath, slow down, and look toward
the high point of our week—gathering with the body of Christ for worship. This
reflection is a small way to prepare our hearts to lift our eyes to the King
and remember that our journey is not aimless. We are pilgrims, headed home.
Spending some time this morning in the Psalms with my wife
Marceen, one of the psalms we read was Psalm 45. In the ESV, the extrabiblical
heading is:
"Your Throne, O God, Is Forever."
As we approach Sunday—preparing to gather and worship as a
family—I was especially struck by two sections of this Psalm: verses 10–12
and 13–15.
First, let’s look at the first stanza:
“Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
forget your people and your father’s house,
and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him.
The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
the richest of the people.”
— Psalm 45:10–12 (ESV)
In this picture, we see the daughter (which we can read with
New Covenant eyes as the Church) being called to leave behind the attachments
of this world—family, society, comfort—because she (we) belong to one King
alone. We bow to no other. He is the One we worship and serve.
But this world will certainly try to woo us back—seeking
our favor with gifts, prosperity, riches, worldly fame and false identity
(as I feel reflected in that line about “the richest of the people”).
This is a picture of sacrifice—perhaps even
suffering—to follow GOD. Forsaking things that might promise momentary
happiness or pleasure. It’s reminiscent of Jesus’ call to the rich young ruler
in Matthew 19:21–22.
And just like him, we might feel discouraged. After all, we
long for joy. We’re wired for it.
But then comes the second stanza:
“All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes
interwoven with gold.
In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
with her virgin companions following behind her.
With joy and gladness they are led along
as they enter the palace of the king.”
— Psalm 45:13–15 (ESV)
This changes everything.
We’re not merely leaving things behind—we’re being led to
the King, robed in glory, surrounded by fellow worshipers, entering
the palace with joy and gladness.
Are we really giving anything up?
No. Not at all.
We were created to seek joy and pleasure—but the real
kind. Not fleeting, hollow counterfeits laced with guilt and emptiness. But
everlasting joy, holy pleasure, and a perfect King.
So may we stop believing the lie…
…that following Christ means forfeiting life and joy.
No, friends—it’s the death of sin, the breaking of chains, and the
entrance into True Life.
Let’s not strive after ideals, systems, or a better version
of ourselves—but after a Person.
The True King.
The King of kings.
Jesus Christ our Lord, who has joy laid up for us now and for all
eternity.
Enter His house with praise this weekend, Church.
He is worthy.
And joy is waiting.
Be well.
His,
~Matt
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