Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalms 85:6
Joy is rare. So rare, in fact, that it gets the attention of believers and unbelievers. It is something everyone wants but few ever taste. Most accept the poor substitute called pleasure. Pleasure is much easier to find, but transient and shallow in comparison. Pleasure is a “feel good” experience that typically comes from the outside in, whereas joy is a deep heart-happiness that comes from within…but given first from above.
This prayer is a plea for God’s people—a plea for the church to be characterized by joy—a plea for marriages and families and relationships of all sorts to display a God-centered delight and gratitude.
Note what MUST come first. Joy is the result, not the request itself. And it all begins with prayer. Are you praying this regularly for your church? For your friends? For your family? For your marriage? For your small group? If not, why not? Will you make this a regular part of your prayers from now on?