Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

30 Dec 2025

“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

When our spiritual well-being is nourished by the fullness of joy found in God’s presence, we are anchored against despair, freed from restless striving, and grounded in a purpose that transcends circumstances. This joy does not merely lift our emotions; it steadies our souls.

Worldly pleasures, by contrast, are drawn from what is external—material possessions, achievements, relationships, or experiences that captivate the senses. They promise fulfillment but deliver only momentary relief. Because they are tied to changing circumstances, their satisfaction fades quickly, often leaving behind a deeper hunger, disappointment, or emptiness. What is temporary can never fully satisfy an eternal soul.

God’s pleasure, however, flows from His unchanging nature and steadfast love. It is not something we consume but a presence we abide in. This divine joy is profound, complete, and enduring—a satisfaction that remains even in suffering, uncertainty, or loss. Rooted in an intimate relationship with Christ, it does not fluctuate with success or failure but rests securely in who God is.

Therefore, when we seek God’s pleasure above all else, we receive a joy that outlasts time itself—a delight that fills every dimension of our being and prepares us for eternal fellowship with Him.

Psalm 16:11 captures this truth with clarity and hope. It reveals that true and lasting satisfaction is found not in what we possess, but in whom we dwell with. God’s presence reshapes our desires toward what is holy, good, and eternal, enabling us to live with joy that reflects His glory and points beyond the temporary to the everlasting.

“The truest, purest joy flows from a discovery of Jesus Christ.”