Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than in the time that their corn and their wine increased (Psalm 4:7, KJV)

Harvest time in Bible days was a moment of joy and gladness as the harvesters bring in the fruit of the earth. The Psalmist gives us an astonishing revelation in this scripture as he identifies two sources of joy for us.

First, he notes that harvest, that is, material things can bring joy to the heart of a person. For example, there is joy in harvest time. There is nothing wrong with this. Jesus said ask and you will receive so that your joy may be full ( John 15:11). He knows that when we receive the things we ask in prayers, joy fills our hearts. Yes, you should rejoice when the Lord brings good things your way: marriage partner, job opportunities, pregnancy, healing, etc. However, there is more!

The Psalmist takes us to another level of joy. It is the joy that is not related to material things. He says the Lord put gladness in his heart. So joy can be imparted into our hearts by the Lord. And he compares this  joy to the joy that comes from material things noting  that he was more joyful from an impartation of joy than the joy that others got from an increase in their harvest! This is the joy the Lord wants you to nurture always. Do not stop being joyful because there is nothing material to gladden your heart!Remember what  the Lord! 

MEDITATE

What is the state of your heart right now? Are you joyful? If not, what is the specific reason why you are not joyful? Do you now understand that the Lord wants you to be joyful even if you do not yet have what you are waiting for?

APPLY THE LORD

May the Lord overwhelm you today with a heavenly impartation dose of joy! Remember: even if the fig tree does not blossom with harvest fruits(Habakkuk 3:17), rejoice in the Lord—always!

PRAY

Thank the Lord for the well of joy in your heart! 

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