When you hear the word joy, where does your mind take you?
Joy is often thought of as a feeling. Felt when everything in life seems to be falling into place, when on the horizon there’s something exciting brewing or when there’s cause for celebration. But what if joy isn’t a feeling at all? What if it’s so much more.
What if true joy isn't simply something that comes and goes depending our circumstances? What if there’s a kind of joy that stays, even when life doesn't look the way we hoped it would?
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 introduces us to this phrase, fullness of joy. It’s not just joy but joy in its fullness, complete joy, abundant joy. It's not talking about the happiness that disappears when our circumstances change. But a joy that is experienced in full.
What’s even more beautiful about fullness of joy is that it’s found in the presence of God. Where God is, that is where joy in its fullness, completeness and wholeness can be found.
When we truly know God and spend time with Him, we experience something deeper than a moment of happiness. We experience joy in knowing Him.
That doesn't mean you’re always happy nor does following Jesus doesn't mean you won't experience sadness, disappointment, grief, stress or uncertainty.
It does mean that our joy doesn't have to depend entirely on our circumstances because our source of joy is bigger than our circumstances.
There is something different about knowing that God is with you. When you're celebrating, He's there. In the waiting, He's there. Through struggle, He's there. In uncertainty, He's right there.
And in His presence, there is fullness of joy.
Where true joy is found
That is what I wanted to capture when I designed the Fullness of Joy T-shirt.
At first glance, it's simply a smiley face. Two eyes and a smile. But when you look a little closer you'll see that the smile contains the words Fullness of Joy.
A simple, everyday reminder of something much deeper. A reminder that when you are with God, there you can find joy in its fullest.
Not because everything in life will always be easy. Not because you'll always feel happy. But because you know there is a God who is present through all of it.
Sometimes we need reminders like that. Something we can see. Something we can wear. Something that brings us back to a truth we already know.
In His presence there is fullness of joy.
God’s word unifies us
But there is another part of this story, while I was busy designing a T-shirt inspired by Psalm 16:11, someone else was writing a song.
God's Word has a way of inspiring us in different ways, in different places, and sometimes even at the same time.
One verse can become a song, a conversation, a prayer or even a Christian t-shirt design.
Tino has released his new song, Fullness of Joy, inspired by Psalm 16:11, and honestly, it is incredible.
We also had the opportunity to partner with Tino on the music video, where you'll spot several of our Fullness of Joy T-shirts making a lovely appearance.
It's been such a special reminder that when we allow God's Word to inspire us, there’s so many beautiful places it can lead.
What is the source of your joy?
So maybe the question isn't simply: “Is there joy in my life?”
Maybe it's: “Is God the source of my joy?”
Because if our joy is completely dependent on our circumstances, what happens when our circumstances change?
When our joy is rooted in God, we have something to hold onto. Psalm 16:11 doesn't promise us a life where everything goes perfectly. It points us towards something better the presence of God.
And in His presence, there is fullness of joy.
And if you'd like to carry that reminder with you, you can find our Fullness of Joy T-shirt below, with more pieces inspired by the joy we find in God’s presence.
We're also celebrating the release of Tino's song with a Fullness of Joy giveaway, but there's only one week left to enter.
So I'll leave you with the question:
How can you looking for joy in the presence of God today?
