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Psalm 16:11: Finding Joy That Lasts Even When Life is Hard
I kept searching… but something still felt missing.
For a long time, I was looking for happiness in all the wrong places. I looked for it in people, in the desire to be understood, and in the hope of feeling chosen. I looked for it in milestones I thought would finally make me feel settled, or in moments I believed would last longer than they did.
And for a while, it felt like it worked. But eventually, I realized the feeling never stayed. It would come, and then it would fade away soon enough… leaving me searching all over again, trying to figure out what was still missing.
Psalm 16:11 says:
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
I used to think joy was something I had to obtain myself… something I could finally reach if I just got enough things right.
But I’m starting to see things differently now. Joy isn’t a temporary high or a fleeting feeling that depends on everything going right. Joy isn’t something I find out there. Rather, it’s something I return to… in God.
The Difference Between Happiness and Fullness
I think there’s a difference between a moment of happiness and the fullness of joy. Happiness often relies on my circumstances being “perfect.”
But the joy found in God’s presence is steady.
Even when my thoughts feel overwhelming, or the uncertainties of life feel heavy, the weight of everything feels lighter…. when I choose to pause and turn my attention back to God. The noise fades. The urgency to figure everything out loosens its grip.
In that space, I experience a joy that doesn’t disappear the moment things get hard. It’s a joy that satisfies because it’s rooted in the One who never changes.
Behind the Art: Spring Vibes and Gentle Joy
For this artwork, I wanted to capture the feeling of new life and the lightheartedness that comes from being in God’s presence. I love using a mixed-media torn paper collage aesthetic because it shows how God can take the imperfect, torn pieces of our lives and layer them into something beautiful.
I chose these specific spring-inspired doodles:
- Spring Animals – Chick, Goose, and Rabbit: These little animals that I love represent the simplicity and innocence of trusting our Creator. They don’t worry about tomorrow; they simply exist in the life God has given them. They remind me to come to Him with a simple, childlike heart.
- Rainbow: It’s a symbol of promise and wonder. It reminds me that God’s presence isn’t just a quiet place; it’s a place of light and hope that breaks through the grayest days.
- Grid Patterns and Botanical Leaves: The grid provides a sense of order and peace, while the leaves represent growth. It’s a reminder that when we stay near Him, we grow in a way that feels grounded and secure.
- Bows and Bubble Letters: I used these to keep the mood cute, groovy, and encouraging. God’s presence shouldn’t feel like a distant, intimidating place. It’s a place of beauty, joy, and welcome.
Let Him Be Enough for Today
If you’ve been searching for a joy that lasts… something that doesn’t slip away as quickly as it comes… maybe this is your reminder, too. You don’t have to chase joy through achievements or the approval of others.
You can come back to His presence right here, right now. You can let the noise of the world fade and let His peace be your steady ground. You can breathe again… knowing that in Him, you are already chosen, already seen, and already more than enough.
A Simple Reflection for Your Day
- Think about the places you’ve looked for happiness lately. Let your heart settle as you now choose to simply sit in God’s presence.
- What is one small, joyful thing God has placed in your life today that you can thank Him for?
FAQ: Finding Joy in God’s Presence
What does it mean that joy is found in God’s presence?
It means that joy is a byproduct of a relationship with God. It isn’t an emotion we get on our own… It’s what happens naturally when we align our hearts with God’s, when we focus on Him. Because His love and presence is constant… the joy He provides can be constant too.
How do I enter God’s presence when I’m busy?
We’re in God’s presence when we simply acknowledge that He’s here with us, regardless of our natural circumstances. It looks like choosing to focus your attention for the moment on Him, saying a simple prayer, meditating on a Bible verse that speaks to you, or even just pausing to notice the little things He has placed in your life.
Is it okay to feel sad even if I have “fullness of joy”?
Yes. Biblical joy is much more than a happy mood. You can feel the weight of sadness or grief while still having a deep-seated security and joy in knowing that you are held together by God.
You Are Home
You don’t have to figure it all out today. You can simply rest in the truth that He is with you, and that’s where your heart truly belongs. You are loved. You are held. And you are His beloved child.
— Nicole
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve been longing for a way to quiet the noise and find a joy that stays… I share a weekly creative reflection and journal prompt in my free studio letter. It’s a space where we slow down and look for God in the ordinary moments. I’d love to have you join us below!
