Wine That Maketh Glad the Heart of Man
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.”(Psalm 104:15, KJV)
Did you know that God designed something as simple as wine to teach us profound spiritual truths about joy and fulfillment? Throughout Scripture, wine is more than just a drink—it carries a deeper meaning that reveals God’s provision and joy for His people. But what does it truly mean that wine “maketh glad the heart”? Join me as we uncover its rich symbolism and how it points to something far greater than we might expect.
Wine, throughout the Bible, is naturally associated with joy and celebration. From wedding feasts to sacred offerings, it symbolizes abundance, gladness, and the goodness of God. In the Old Testament, wine represents the joy and provision that come from God’s hand, a reminder of His blessings poured out upon His people. Yet, this symbolism deepens in the New Testament, where wine becomes a prophetic picture of the Holy Spirit—God’s ultimate provision to fill and satisfy our hearts.
The connection between wine and the Holy Spirit is profound. Just as wine brings joy, the Spirit produces joy in the believer’s life, for joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The apostle Paul draws a striking contrast in Ephesians 5:18 when he says, “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Wine may influence and control a person, but God calls us to be under the influence of His Spirit, who brings true joy and lasting fulfillment. This was vividly demonstrated on the day of Pentecost when the apostles were so filled with the Holy Spirit that onlookers thought they were drunk (Acts 2:13).
The phrase “wine that maketh glad the heart” takes on a powerful meaning when we understand it in light of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we have received the “new wine” of the Spirit in Christ—the living water that satisfies our deepest thirst. One of the greatest effects of this new wine is that it makes our hearts glad. The psalmist echoed this truth when he declared, “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.” (Psalm 46:4, KJV)
God loves to see His people joyful. When we are on the mountaintop, His joy overflows; when we walk through the valleys, His joy sustains us, for “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10, KJV) Whether in times of abundance or difficulty, the Holy Spirit within us continues to bubble up, bringing gladness that no circumstance can take away.
Meditate
Have you been drinking deeply of the joy that the Holy Spirit provides? Reflect on how God’s presence in your life is meant to bring lasting gladness, even in difficult seasons.
Act on the Word
Choose today to allow the joy of the Spirit to fill your heart. In moments of difficulty, remind yourself that God’s new wine is within you, and let it overflow in gratitude and praise.
Pray
Lord, thank You for filling me with the new wine of Your Spirit. Let Your joy overflow in my life and strengthen me each day.
Recommended Read
- There is a River
- Bread which Strengtheneth Man’s Heart
- The Wonders of Joy
- The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
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