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The language is that of faith, hope, patience, and fortitude.

I. THE NATURE OF THE CHRISTIAN'S JOY.

1. It is spiritual. Arising from saving knowledge of God: from pardon: from adoption: from the habitual indwelling of the Holy Ghost.

2. It is satisfying. The Almighty is suited to our capacities; adequate to our necessity; durable as our existence.

II. THE OBJECT OF THE CHRISTIAN'S REJOICING.

1. In the perfection of His nature, we rejoice in God.

2. In His works of creation, providence, and grace.

3. In His Word.

4. In His ordinances.

III. THE PARTICULAR SEASONS WHEN A TRUE CHRISTIAN CAN REJOICE IN THE LORD.

1. In seasons of poverty.

2. In seasons of persecution.

3. In seasons of national commotion.

4. In the season of death.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

WEB: For though the fig tree doesn't flourish, nor fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food; the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls: