David and Joy
ADVENT MEDITATIONS: WEEK 3
“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”
REFLECTION
David’s life was a tapestry
of triumph and sorrow,
of holiness and brokenness,
of intense joy and deep grief.
And yet, his heart was steadfast.
David is a model of what a life rooted in steadfast praise and closeness with God looks like.
A man after God’s own heart, though his own heart was far from perfect.
How much we can learn from his example,
that though we fail and falter,
the Lord delights in our nearness to him.
And in that, we find joy.
David’s joy was not fleeting—
it was rooted in the trust that God was with him,
even in his darkest moments.
In Advent, we wait in hope and sit with longing in our hearts. And in the waiting, there is an invitation to reflect on joy—not as the world defines it, or even as we might desire to define it, but as David knew it. The joy that transcends circumstances is not bound by abundance or ease, but by the presence of God.
May we meditate on the truth that joy is not the absence of suffering but the presence of Christ. And like David, we can find joy in God’s nearness, even as we wait. As we remember the child who came to dwell among us, we are invited to experience a deeper joy—a joy not based on what we have, but on who God is and the promise that He is with us, Immanuel.
APPLICATION
Take some time out of this busy holiday season to practice being in the presence of God. Spend some time in the Psalms–reading David’s songs and prayers. Allow space for worship, and listen to some of your favorite worship songs. You can also find our Advent playlist here.
PRAYER
Great God of joy,
As we wait in expectation,
Fill our hearts with the joy
That comes only from Your presence.
May we find our strength
And peace in Your nearness—
No matter what comes our way.
Help us to rest in the hope
That Christ is coming,
And with Him,
The very fullness of joy.
Amen.
