0238. GLADNESS.

GLADNESS.

"Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased" (Psa_4:7).

Introduction.

1. Gladness! What a charm that word has for us.

2. Gladness! This is the craving of humanity.

3. Gladness! This is their great search.

4. And this the Psalmist had.

5. And it proved a splendid "night-cap." Put him to sleep (Jer_1:8).

6. And the Psalmist was a pious, godly man.

7. The world does not generally associate gladness with godliness.

8. Therefore David’s gladness is worth analysing.

I. It was Not Dependent on Worldly Prosperity.

1. It was probable that David was in sore straits.

2. Was this written during David’s flight before Saul or Absalom?

3. His corn and wine were not increasing, yet he had more joy than in those who were in that prosperous position.

II. It was a Gladness of Heart, and not merely of Mind. "Gladness in my heart."

1. Not mere surface gladness.

2. A gladness, like the ocean depths, that cannot be ruffled by a passing breeze

III. It was a Gladness whose Author and Source was God. "Thou hast put." See also Psa_30:11.

IV. How God puts Gladness in our Hearts.

1. Fruit of pardon: "Make me to hear joy and gladness" (Psa_51:8).

2. Fruit of holy living: "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart" (Psa_97:11).

a. "Sown" for them. We reap more than is sown.

b. Sure of a speedy and prolific growth.

c. A gladness constantly appearing in fresh forms.

3. Given as answer to prayer. Even the forgiven and sanctified need gladness at times. How sad our heart was one morning, but when this came into our mind when before the Lord, and pleading it, gladness was given.

Autor: James Smith