Psalm 32:11

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

Throughout Scripture, God pours out His oil of gladness on those who have learned to hate their sin and love His righteousness. That's what the Word says of Jesus: "You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions" (Hebrews 1:9).

Throughout the Bible, joy is associated with hatred for sin and a love for righteousness: "But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly" (Psalm 68:3). "Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart" (Psalm 32:11).

People who have laid down their sins and are walking with the Lord may still have a struggle that is yet unsettled. But there is such a drawing toward the Lord in them, such a hunger, that the outcome is inevitable: an outbreak of joy! True heart confession and a reaching open up rivers of praise and a fountain of thanksgiving.

Beloved, you don't have to quit, and you don’t have to give up your joy in the Lord. You have a right to praise Him — to sing, shout and be happy in the Lord — because you have a Father who forgives!