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

Let’s jump right in today with a Christmas topic that’s even more polarizing than “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays.” Let’s talk about Hallmark movies. Love them? Can’t stand them? Fans of the genre might appreciate the predictability of the plotlines. Critics might argue that the guaranteed happy endings are too good to be true.

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At first glance, David’s declaration in Psalm 16:11 also sounds too good to be true. Fullness of joy? Pleasures forevermore? But David’s life was nothing like a Hallmark movie. A David biopic would not qualify as wholesome family entertainment.

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For starters, David did not live a PG life. Soon after he is introduced in the Biblical narrative, David slays a giant and severs his head. When David finally becomes king after over a decade of hiding in the wilderness from Saul, his coronation doesn’t cue the “happily ever after” banner and the end credits. David’s reign is characterized by many battles, great sin, and personal loss. And, in his old age, David doesn’t ride off into the sunset. Instead, his children are wicked to one another, with one son even instigating a coup to overthrow David.

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While some of the psalms were written after David’s victories, many were written in the midst of trial. Yet consistently throughout these songs, we see David trust and rejoice in the Lord. It’s believed David wrote Psalm 16 during one of his many times of trouble or opposition. It begins with a plea for God to protect him, followed by David declaring, “I have no good apart from you.” Throughout the psalm, we see David’s firm belief that regardless of his circumstances, God is the source of his joy.

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In verse three, David delights in the company of God’s people. In verse four, he recognizes that those who pursue other gods will multiply sorrows. In verse five, he declares, “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup.” In verses six through eight, David remarks on the Lord’s provision, counsel, and protection. In light of all this, he declares in verses nine and ten, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul…” Today’s verse is the big finish: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

It may seem natural to sing about joy when everything is going right in your life, but what about when you’re battling fear? What about when you’re still waiting to see how God is going to work through your pain and disappointment? What about when you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired? Given what we know about David’s life, I imagine he was very familiar with battling fear, with waiting on God’s promises, and with struggling with weariness. Yet he remained confident in the source of his joy.

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David’s beautiful phrases like “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” are not too good to be true. While David’s life had its share of plot twists, God remained faithful through it all. God promised David that one of his descendants would establish a kingdom with no end. And this month, we are preparing to celebrate the baby born in David’s line–the baby whose birth signaled good news of great joy for all people. Because of Jesus, God’s promises just get bigger and better in the New Testament! Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10), in him we can experience peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7), and because his Spirit lives in believers, we have hope that will not disappoint (Romans 5:5).

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Your life might not be as predictable as a Hallmark movie. But throughout all the twists and turns, through the wonderful surprises and the heart-wrenching shocks, we can dwell secure. Our hearts can be glad and our whole beings can rejoice, because there is fullness of joy in the presence of God. Do you acknowledge his presence throughout your day? Do you look to him as your chosen portion and cup, the one who provides, counsels, and protects? When we look elsewhere for hope and security, our sorrows will multiply. But at his right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Faithful God, remind me of your nearness. Open my eyes to see that my light and momentary afflictions are preparing for me a future glory that is beyond comparison. My heart is glad, and I rejoice because you are my provider, my counselor, and my protector. As so many lesser things vie for my attention and affection, please make known to me the path of life. Apart from you I have no good thing, Jesus. Help me to abide in your presence today. Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.