Christmas is a time of joy, yet many struggle to find it.  In the midst of the trials and sufferings of life, where can we find joy?  The writers of the Psalms tell us places where they found joy – places where we too can find joy even in the midst of the struggles of life.  We can find joy in:

• God’s love (90:14)
• God’s salvation (51:12)
• God’s deliverance (126)
• God’s protection (63:7)
• God’s reign (97:1)
• God’s people (16:3)
• God’s Word (119:14-16)

It is not hard to see what all of these joy-bringers have in common.  All come from God.  Every good thing that brings us joy comes from God.  Each joyful blessing comes from the river of his delights (Psalm 36:8).  God is the source of joy.  We find our joy ultimately in him:

You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
– Psalm 4:7

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
– Psalm 16:11

For you make him most blessed forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
– Psalm 21:6

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
– Psalm 43:4

In the presence of God, we find exceeding joy beyond any other joy.  The joy found in God’s blessings is good; the joy found in God himself is better.  This Christmas, no matter what struggles you are facing, you can find joy in the presence of the Lord.  Won’t you draw near to him?