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 ESV)
While we tend to think that our reward for giving is that we will receive; that our reward for serving will be that we will be well taken care of; and that our reward for praying will be in the form of answered prayers. I suggest, instead, that God Himself is our reward.
The presence of our God is our present-reward when we join Him in giving and caring for others; the nearness of God is our near-reward when we join Him in prayer; and as we empty ourselves through fasting, we experience the reward of His fullness. The intimate partnership of knowing Him and being known by Him becomes the reward much more than any earthly treasures or pleasures ever could.
Taking the pathway of His presence is where we will find joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Prayer: Father, nothing is more pressing and tenacious than spending time in your presence. Giving you our emptiness as an offering to you so that we can be filled with your Holy Spirit. Being with you now is such an amazing reward and a small glimpse of what it will be like in eternity. Soon there will be no more interruptions when we bask in your presence. No demands from family, job, or daily responsibilities. We will stand on that celestial shore and experience the joy of being in your presence forever more. We love you Jesus! Amen
