Psalm 43:4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy: yes, on the harp will I praise you, O God my God. I. CHEERFULNESS IS HEALTH AND DUTY (Proverbs 17:22; Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 64:5). It is our duty as Christians to rise to "What nothing earthly gives, nor can destroy The soul's calm sunshine and her heartfelt joy." II. GOD ALONE IS "EXCEEDING JOY." He alone lasts, He only overflows. And all this but natural to Him who is the Lord of the universe. And this exceeding joy is undisturbed by any fear of coming to an end. The bridal pair are very happy, but the thought often comes, One of us must survive the other; which, alas? But the joy of God cannot be disturbed by any calamity. And how elevated it is. For "none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate." III. THERE IS A GREAT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THINKING ABOUT GOD AND ENJOYING HIM. It is one thing to apprehend God, and another to appropriate Him. The God of experience is the God we need. (E. Paxton Hood.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. |
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