"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 16:11
Jesus Christ revealed Himself to be the Way, the Truth and the Life. Before His crucifixion Jesus told His disciples they knew where He was going, and they also knew the way because He is the Way. Though under the Mosaic covenant, the psalmist David had a sure expectation of eternal life in the presence of God where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forever.
John 15:9-11 taught His disciples fullness of joy was not only enjoyed in the eternal state but presently in light of His love: "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My
love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as
I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 These
things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your
joy may be full." Having fullness of joy granted us by God's grace is a wondrous thing, and the pleasures provided by God transcend our physical senses. The word "pleasure" these days has been reduced to primarily refer to sexual enjoyment, but that is a dumbed-down view of the present and ultimate reality. The Bible teaches there will be no marriage or giving in marriage in heaven, and thus there will be no sexual activity or procreation. Our pleasure will not be enjoyed by indulging fleshly appetites but in spiritual union with God who is pleased in us.
Webster defined "pleasure" this way: "The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish or happiness produced by enjoyment or the expectation of good; opposed to pain." Notice at God's right hand there are pleasures (plural) forevermore, wholesome delights enjoyed by God's grace. It is important to point out what gives God pleasure is often different that what pleases mankind. Psalm 147:10-11 says of God, "He
does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no
pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear
Him, in those who hope in His mercy." We are pleased and impressed by the speed of horses or the large muscles of athletes who perform amazing feats of strength, yet God takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. God takes pleasure in the weak, slow and uncoordinated people who trust in Him and rest in His loyal love in the midst of a fiery trial.
God spoke from the heavens to identify Jesus as His only begotten Son in whom He was well pleased. In Christ we are enabled to do what pleases God as it is written in Hebrews 13:15-16: "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise
to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and
to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Colossians 3:20 also says, "Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well
pleasing to the Lord." There is nothing more pleasurable to the child of God than to be pleasing in His sight, and it is good for us to maintain this perspective--especially when the passing pleasures of sin seductively beckon us during this earthly pilgrimage. The fleeting pleasures of this life quickly fade in light of the fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore in God's presence.
