Psalm 21

“The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah.” (Psalm 21:1–2, NKJV)

David had so much cause for rejoicing. God had been his strength in fighting the enemy. The LORD had saved David from the plots of the wicked. And God had blessed David with the desires of his heart, for David delighted himself in the LORD. Finally, God had answered his prayers, granting him what he had asked for. As David considered his life and all that God had done for him, he was filled with indescribable joy!

I am convinced that joy is a choice. Two people can undergo the same circumstances. One person will be joyful; another person will be bitter. What is the difference? It is what they choose to meditate on. Some people gravitate to whatever is painful, foul or wrong. They magnify the faults in others and their own hurts. Since this is all they see, they have no joy. Others, like David, focus on the LORD and how good He has been. He is trustworthy and full of lovingkindness. Those who trust in Him will never be ashamed. Through the mercy of the Most High they shall not be moved. This brings joy, because it draws them near to God where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).

Do you feel weak today? Then rejoice in God’s strength. Are you afraid that your enemy will triumph? Then rejoice in God’s wonderful salvation. Do you long for good things? Then delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Tell Him your requests and trust Him with the results. He will not withhold any good thing, and He will lead you in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.

So will you be joyful or miserable? The choice is yours!