King David’s Joy (Bible Story)

Joy seemed to be woven into the very cells of David’s being. He joyfully praises God for victories, looks forward to renewed joy in difficult times, and proclaims the joy of creation always. He exclaims how even the sunset sang out joy in Psalm 65:8.

David shows us how to weave joy into hard times, with his cry for God to restore the joy of his salvation in Psalm 51:8. Two verses later he asks God, Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (ESV) That psalm is the prayer of a heart that always chooses joy with God’s help.

Reflect on other phrases and times in life where David shares about joy:

• In Psalm 4:7, after deliverance from distress he states God put joy in his heart. Remember to be grateful and rejoice after your distress is over.

• In praying for protection, he hears and rejoices in God’s guidance. Let us also rejoice that God guides us and sent the Holy Spirit (Psalm 35).

• He trusts in God’s faithfulness even while under enemy attack, and he rejoices in his salvation. David looks above the earthly problem and rejoices in eternity. He shows us to trust in future joy (Psalm 31:1–3).

• David finds joy in God’s forgiveness (Psalm 32).

• David delights to do God’s will. When we are walking with God, it’s a time to delight and be joyful. We are in harmony with God (Psalm 40:8).

• David rejoices that future generations will praise God and rejoice (Psalm 145:7).

We can follow David’s example to weave the thoughts of joy in all circumstances.

Choose Joy Today: Choose to weave thoughts of joy into life every day.