Got Joy?

 

The poor will eat and be satisfied.

All who seek the Lord will praise him.

Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

Psalm 22:26 (NLT)

What an encouraging verse. It is overflowing with hope and glad tidings.

But there's more here than what a casual reading of this modern translation communicates. Take a look at my go-to translation for deeper understanding: the Amplified Bible...

The afflicted will eat and be satisfied;

Those who diligently seek Him and require Him as their greatest need will praise the Lord.

May your hearts live forever!

Who will eat and be satisfied? Not just the poor, but the afflicted. Put aside small thoughts of financial need and consider the vast number of people who experience affliction of body or mind or circumstances beyond their control.

And what does it mean to seek the Lord? Not just being open to the idea of Somebody Bigger Than You and I, but to require Him as their greatest need.

And what will all this result in? Not just a heart that will rejoice with everlasting joy, but one that has shaken off the dull march toward death that comes from being on Planet Earth and live[s] forever!

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Truth is...It is no small thing that this verse is in the midst of the psalm Jesus quoted on the cross. While Jesus unbearably suffered both physically and emotionally, your joy and satisfaction were on his mind!