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. The devotional spirit is the life of religion; and there never was a man of piety who was not a man of prayer. The text opens to us two important views. I. THE PECULIAR NATURE OF THAT WORSHIP WHICH GOD HAS AUTHORIZED. It is going to the altar of God. We ought all to be aware that there is a peculiarity in the worship which God authorizes. There is — 1. The recognition of our sin. When man was innocent he needed no atonement. There was no altar in Paradise. But now we need one. 2. Our first liability to punishment is acknowledged. 3. And that God is propitious through the atonement He has appointed. A mere sacrifice is not sufficient, for it might have been a human invention merely. But this God has appointed. Atonement is for the penitent (cf. 2 Chronicles 6:29-31). II. THE EMPHATIC DESCRIPTION WHICH IS GIVEN OF THE JOY OF IT. — "God, my exceeding joy." This joy arises from — 1. Our being placed in the presence of a Being of infinite glory and perfection. It supposes reconciliation with God. 2. Because this worship enables us to appropriate this display of glory to ourselves. David speaks of "My God." 3. It is the joy of confidence. 4. And in going to the altar of God we have the renewed assurances of His favour. 5. And there is the joy of life. (R. Watson.) 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. |
    |