Advent - Joy

Written by Shelsea Becker

In the Presence of the Lord There Is FULLNESS of Joy

(For real. I didn’t make this up.)

“In Your presence is fullness of joy.”

— Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

I mean… that’s a bold statement. FULLNESS of joy. Not a sprinkle. Not a “happy-ish if things go your way” kind of joy. Full. To the brim. Overflowing. And just so we’re clear—I didn’t write this. David did. And the Holy Spirit signed off on it.

Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

So let’s talk about what actually happens when we get in the presence of our Heavenly Father—because a lot more is going on than we often realize.

1. He Shows You Your Path

Yes. Your path. Not your sister’s. Not your best friend’s. Not your momma’s or your pastor’s. God shows you the path of life He uniquely designed for you.

Feeling stuck? Unsure which direction to go? Wondering:

• Should I stay or should I go?

• Do I say yes or do I say no?

• What in the world is my next step?

• 
  

Get in His presence, Girlfriend!

2. His Presence Brings LIFE—Real Life

Not just eternal life someday (though thank You, Jesus, for that), but abundant life right here, right now.

An unending source of joy and satisfaction is found when we live in close proximity to Him. Not visiting occasionally. Not waving from afar. Dwelling. Abiding. Remaining. 

So let me ask you—are we LiViNg?

Like… really living?

Or are we just going through the motions, checking boxes, surviving on caffeine and sarcasm?

Life is found in His presence. And it changes how we breathe, think, love, and walk through this world.

Get in His presence, Girlfriend!

3. FULLNESS of Joy 

Let’s talk about joy.

Not a little bit. Not a momentary mood boost. Not joy that disappears when your circumstances act a fool.

We’re talking about FULLNESS of joy.

Think of it like a river—deep, wide, and overflowing. A joy with enough depth to overcome obstacles and enough force to outweigh trouble. This joy doesn’t originate in you. You don’t have to manufacture it.

It comes straight from THE SOURCE—the Creator of all things good, righteous, and holy.

And here’s the wild part: this joy produces fruit in your life. It becomes a characteristic, not a reaction. A way of being, not just a feeling.

So ask yourself:

• Do I exude joy?

• Do people feel lighter around me?

• Do I change the atmosphere when I walk into a room? 
  

If not… you already know the answer.

Get in His presence, Girlfriend!

Why Joy Is Possible at All

God so loved the world that He wanted relationship with us—not distance, not religion, not rules without relationship.

So He sent His only begotten Son, the visible image of the invisible God, that whoever believes in Him with complete faith would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

And then—because He’s that good—He sent the Holy Spirit so we could live in continual closeness with Him.

Which means joy isn’t just a Christmas lyric.

It’s a gift.

And it’s available now.

Advent, Joy, and a God Who Wants to Sit With You

During this Advent season, as we focus on Joy, we can sing “Joy to the World” with a little more weight behind it.

The Lord has come.

And He didn’t just come to save you—He came to be with you.

To sit with you.

To meet you.

To fill you.

This is a joy the world can’t offer and can’t take away.

Practical Ways to Get in His Presence

1. Create a “Linger Lounge.”

Designate a space—nothing fancy required—where it’s just you and the Holy Spirit. A chair. A candle. A corner. Show up and linger like you are sitting with your best friend sipping coffee.

2. Worship Like You Mean It.

Turn the music up. Move the furniture if you need to. Have a full-on dance party with Jesus. David did it. You’re in good company.

3. Practice Listening.

Pray with everything you have… and then be quiet. It may take time, but don’t confuse silence with absence. He is speaking.

Friend, joy isn’t something you chase.

It’s something you enter.

And it’s waiting for you—right there in His presence.