by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities."

Psalm 51:8-9

Sin provides temporary pleasure but steals lasting joy.

Have you noticed that our world seems bent on finding joy or pleasure in life? Sports, hobbies, new gadgets, more possessions, bigger and better things seem to be the pursuit of many looking for happiness. "If I can get that job, with the higher salary, I'll be happy." "If I had this possession, I'd be happy." "If I lived in that city, I'd be happier." How often people look to things to bring them joy.

A look back through history shows that this trend is not new to society. Men and women have searched for joy and happiness in many places. Some have lived riotous lives, hoping to find happiness. One such man, Lord Byron, realized that joy is not found in such living, "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone." Some have sought happiness through money, yet Jay Gould, a millionaire, refuted that idea when he said, "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth." Joy cannot be found in fame or success, as Lord Beaconsfield reported, "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret."

Another person who can attest to the unsuccessful pursuit of joy and happiness is King David. Yesterday we saw his fall into adultery. We witnessed his failure, cover-ups, and eventual confession. King David teaches us that true joy cannot be found in the satisfaction of fleshly desires.

Often, we are told that in order to be happy, we must be satisfied. The world teaches that if your flesh wants it, do it. If you desire it, go for it. Why not satisfy yourself? After all, satisfaction of flesh is the only way to experience happiness.

The world is right that a satisfaction of flesh will bring happiness and pleasure, but that joy is temporary. David gave into his desires, sought to satisfy his flesh, and walked away a train wreck of failure. I'm sure he enjoyed his sin at the time, yet afterward he faced the consequences of his sin.

Sin provides temporary pleasure but steals lasting joy. Notice David's prayer of repentance, "Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice." David lost the joy he had enjoyed while he was walking with God. The joy of the Lord had left his heart, and David desperately wanted God to restore that joy in His life.

True joy comes from walking with God, obeying His commands, and following His path for your life. No circumstance, possession, pursuit, or person can give you joy like God can give. He is the source, provider, and facilitator of joy. If you truly want happiness and joy in life, you can find it by walking with God. David realized that God held the key to a joyful life, and he had lost that joy through seeking happiness on his own.

Do you have joy in your life? Joy doesn't mean being happy at all times, but being content knowing that God is in control. Have you lost your joy? Following fleshly desires brings temporary happiness but leaves a joyless soul. Seek joy in Christ. Look to Him for the satisfying, soul-filling joy that a life lived for Him can bring. As you travel the Christian journey, times of failure and loss of joy will come, but like King David, repent of the sin and seek the restoration of God's joy.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Numbers 23-25 | Mark 7:14-37