May 30

Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalms 37:4.

The joy of the world is, at best, but an imperfect and fleeting thing. Man's desire for happiness can never be perfectly satisfied by the joys of this life. He will always find something lacking to make his joy complete; and generally he will find a few drops of gall in the cup of pleasure, and worldlings tell us that in the midst of their pleasures they can find no real and lasting enjoyment. All the joys of this life pass away. He that is laughing to-day may be weeping to-morrow. Finally death comes and ends all pleasures.

A Christian does not seek his happiness in the things of this life. The true joy of a Christian is of a higher order. The Chris-

tian's joy is described in the words of Jesus: "I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." The Christian's greatest joy is the possession and enjoyment of Jesus. All the earthly joys are as nothing as compared with this joy in Jesus, our Savior. Not as though forthwith a Christian were entirely beyond the reach of trouble and constantly filled with blissful feeling of Christ's gracious nearness. No, this joy consists in this, that God no longer imputes sin and is well pleased with us. He alone is truly happy who is made sure that his sins are forgiven, that God is his dear Father, that he is God's beloved child, and that heaven is his home.

This joy shall not be taken from us. It shall continue the bright and the dark days of life. Are not, then, the children of God in a truly blessed state? Great is their present blessed condition; but far greater things are in store for them. Therefore: "Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice." Let your faith be revived by the joy-inspiring message of the Gospel. Lift up your head in joyful expectation, and let joy prevail.

Prayer.

O benign and merciful Lord, by Thy grace I have lived to see gladness and joy. I thank Thee that Thou hast been my Savior and Redeemer, my Guardian and Keeper, my Comforter and Helper; that Thou hast, as a Father, sustained my body and soul; that Thou hast preserved and protected me, so that I am still living. Awake, O my soul, and rejoice in the Lord, Thy Savior. Do Thou also, O Lord, I humbly beseech Thee, turn Thy face unto me and so guard and guide me that nothing sinful may be in my thoughts, words, or actions. Lead me, Thy needy sheep, in the paths of Thy holy Word, which is my only comfort and the fountain of genuine joy. Amen.

Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life; Grant us that way to know, That Truth to keep, that Life to win, Whose joys eternal flow.---