In the presence of the Lord our God there is fullness of joy and peace that human words cannot express. One might say it’s a feeling of exceeding gladness or rejoicing. According to the Bible joy is associated with the people of God who celebrate His blessings. See Numbers 10:10; I King 1:40; 2 Chronicles 20:27, and Nehemiah 12:27. Moses in the book of Deuteronomy 28:47 exhorts the Israelites to serve God with joy, so that they would receive God’s blessings. We are to make a joyful noise unto the Lord our righteousness. (Psalm 66:1) The peace of God conveys completeness and well-being. In the presence of the Lord our God there is peace that surpasses all understanding. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth: give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither, let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Here are a few scripture verses to help you find the comfort of being in the presence of the Lord our God.
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” ~ Psalm 16:11 NKJV
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” ~ Psalm 51:12
“The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” ~ Psalm 29:11
“I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.” ~ Psalm 85:8-9
“Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him that rides on clouds, by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him.” ~ Psalm 68:4 NKJV
“Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.” ~ Psalm 147:8
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame scorch you.” ~ Isaiah 43:2 NKJV
“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” ~ Nehemiah 8:10
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” ~ John 15:11
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:7
“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” ~ 1 Peter 4:13
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Where comfort one another with these words.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. ~ Isaiah 32-17
All Scripture verses are taken from the King James and New King James Version of the Bible.
By Constance A. Burns, NAAV Spiritual Wellness and Moments of Meditation Contributor; email: cburns@naavets.org