In your presence is fullness of joy….
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
The revelation.
In God’s presence is fullness of joy.
I don’t have to wait: That starts now.
I’m in his presence now. I don’t have to wait for a future place or time.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…. – Ephesians 2:4-6 (NKJV)
The reality.
Hebrews 1:9 explains why joy is a defining anointing of Jesus:
“YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF JOY ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS.” – Hebrews 1:9 (NASB)
That passage also explains why fullness of joy is part of the reality of being in Jesus’ presence.
And it confirms the importance of joy to God.
Living it.
These 5 Scriptures teach about the real-life experience of joy from various angles.
- “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:11 (NKJV) (What “things” was Jesus referring to? See John 15:1-11.)
- … the kingdom of God is … righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. – Romans 14:17 (NASB)
- Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (NKJV)
- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…. – Galatians 5:22 (NASB)
- For I have had great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. – Philemon 1:7 (NASB)
There are many more Scriptures to explore. A search of the NASB version reveals 260 mentions of joy!
Prayer
God, let joy be a hallmark of my life.
Give me wisdom to steward joy.
This content originally appeared in the April 2026 email newsletter. You’re invited to subscribe at amylu-riley.com/subscribe.
Text and photo copyright © 2026 by AmyLu Riley.
Scripture marked NKJV taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NASB taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org
Be First to Comment