Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. (1 Chronicles 16:27, NIV)
A circle of golf partners is a lot like marriage. The best fits may be completely unexpected.
Some people choose their partners for congeniality, camaraderie, or maybe straight laughter. Others want to play with competitors focused on the game. You may pick your partners because they play fast, or talk little, or make for a good match. Whatever it is, when we put together our regular partners, we are looking to add an extra measure of joy to our game.
You know, it’s easy to confuse mirth and joy. Certainly cutting it up with others makes for a good time. But mirth is a bit like birdies—if my entire pleasure in golf was based on them, I’d be in trouble. They don’t normally come in bunches, and even then they tend to dry up and go away.
In the 27th chapter of Proverbs, we find two intriguing lines that help us get a better grasp on a joy that satisfies in a deep and lasting way.
Consider first verse 9: “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.”
Remember that incense for the ancient Jew was closely associated with worship. When a person caught a whiff of a pleasant smell, it served as a reminder that God was present. And in praising him, we gain a lasting satisfaction—what we call joy. Our hearts are glad when God is near.
Moreover, Solomon went on to describe the pleasantness that comes from a friend. Notice, it is not the friend’s wit that makes for this enjoyment. Rather it is his earnest counsel. When I come to my friend with a problem, and he or she hears me well and offers well-meaning, sound advice, I go away deeply appreciative. There is joy in such a friendship.
Now glance a bit farther down the page at verse 11: “Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart.” Again, while I may have a child whose sense of humor brings a smile to my face, what brings joy to my heart is when my child acts wisely. My own quality of life is far better when my children’s lives are in order. This is a blessing that reaches well beyond any “creature comforts” or temporary pleasures.
When you seek out joy in your own life, be sure you know what the source looks like. A friend who makes you laugh is fun to be around, but a friend who helps you grow is a partner in godly joy.
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Jeff Hopper
May 16, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.