在2014年，挪威某個小鎮的居民立了一個交通標誌，鼓勵行人用滑稽有趣的方式過馬路。這是為了帶來片刻的歡樂，希望這些以搞笑方式過馬路的人和旁觀的路人，都可以有愉快的一天。這些滑稽有趣的舉動往往能讓情緒低落的人，得到短暫的紓解。

聖經指出我們都會經歷艱難困苦的時期，導致我們感到灰心和沮喪，就像耶利米哀歌和許多詩篇的內容，都清楚描述了這種苦楚。然而，聖經也告訴我們，在任何情況下，上帝的同在都能帶給我們持久的喜樂。詩人大衛在寫下詩篇16篇的時候，期待自己在永恆的未來可以與上帝同在。但在耶穌基督從死裡復活之後，我們這些活在世上的人，現在就能藉著聖靈經歷上帝的同在。

儘管有趣的舉動所帶來的歡笑和紓解只持續片刻，卻能讓我們在艱困時期重新振作。然而，若我們要經歷持久的喜樂，支撐我們度過生命中最痛苦悲傷的日子，就必須「投靠」上帝（1節），求祂指導、勸戒我們（7節）。上帝絕不會拋棄我們，祂必指示我們「生命的道路」，使我們「有滿足的喜樂」（11節）。

In 2014, residents of a village in Norway erected a traffic sign that encouraged people crossing the street to do so in a silly manner. The intent was to bring a few moments of humor—for “silly walkers” and onlookers alike—to brighten one another’s days. These brief glimpses of silliness were a momentary encouragement to downcast spirits.

The Bible acknowledges that we’ll have seasons of difficulty and hardship, causing us to feel demoralized and sad. The book of Lamentations and many psalms give voice to such pain. Yet the Scriptures also point us to what can bring us lasting joy in all circumstances: the presence of God. David penned the words of Psalm 16 with an eye to an eternal future with Him. Those of us alive today—after the death and resurrection of Jesus—know God’s presence even now through the Holy Spirit.

Though they may only last a short time, humor and levity can lift our spirits in times of difficulty. However, to experience the lasting joy that sustains us through the most painful seasons of our lives, we must “take refuge” in God (v. 1) who counsels and instructs us (v. 7). He’ll never abandon us; instead, He’ll “make known to [us] the path of life” and “fill [us] with joy” (v. 11).