Keeping in mind that Joy also means Happiness lets look at a text we read last week.

...in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 16:11

Listen closely, this text contains one of the keys we have been looking for.

Let's take a look at this fullness of joy.

Question: where do we find it? The Bible says "In thy presence is fullness of joy"

Does this mean we must be in the presence of God to have fullness of joy?
If so, how could this be possible? Aren't we down here and God is somewhere up there in heaven?

Watch closely as we are now going to see something wonderful and amazing about our God. Lets read a text from Isaiah.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15

Did you get what this verse is saying? The powerful and holy God, who dwells in a high and holy place, also dwells with him that is of a contrite (or broken) and humble spirit.

Imagine that! God can dwell with you! We can have the presence of God with us. In Hebrews 13:5 the Bible says:

...he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

Regardless of where you are, Jesus has promised that he will never forsake us! And he promises to be with you if you have a humble and contrite heart. And then you will experience the fullness of joy that He longs to give you!

Do not think that when you walk with Jesus you must walk in the shadow. The happiest people in the world are those who trust in Jesus and gladly do His bidding. From the lives of those who follow Him, unrest and discontent are banished. . . . They may meet with trial and difficulty, but their lives are full of joy; for Christ walks beside them, and His presence makes the pathway bright. . . . - Ellen G. White, Heavenly Places, page 62

You see friends, those who trust Jesus, those who walk with Jesus and follow Him should be the happiest people in the world!

What a wonderful God we serve!

But now, we need to look at this even closer. There must be conditions to receiving this joy... Yes, Jesus said "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" and when Jesus is with us we have fullness of joy, but so many people seem to be unhappy, they don't seem to have the peace and joy that comes when God is dwelling with us.

What are they missing? What does the Bible say must we do for God to dwell with us?

Stay tuned as we will continue to study this next week.