May 25

Let the heart, of them rejoice that seek the Lord. - Psalms 105:3.

HAPPINESS is a thing to which none are indifferent. All persons profess to be seeking it, contriving in one way or another to acquire something in which they may rejoice; but only the Christian is in possession of the important secret. The Christian’s joy alone is worthy the name. This joy is full, permanent, and pure; and it is to be found only in the Lord, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It is the “hidden manna,” the “bread of heaven,” “angels’ food,”-yea, more: for

“Never did angels taste above

Redeeming grace and dying love.”

This joy is indispensable. What can we do without this joy? It will cheer us in adversity, and give additional zest to the enjoyments which prosperity provides; it will lend an additional charm to the smiles of youth, while it will strengthen and sustain us in the decays, privations, and depressions of age; and it will shed its halo upon the dreariness of solitude and the loneliness of death. Seeing then, however successful, however indulged, however amused, the human heart feels a void within which only this joy can fill, a craving which this alone can relieve, a restlessness which this alone can allay and soothe, let us seek to possess it; and, blessed be God, it is attainable.

The Saviour addresses himself to the disconsolate of every grade, and, from whatever cause their dissatisfaction and disquietude may spring, he says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Let us therefore be looking unto Jesus, the “Consolation of Israel.” In him we may have peace; but if we would be filled with all joy and peace in believing, we must live near him, and walk closely with him and circumspectly before him; for we must not forget that though all the consolations of the Bible are derived from free grace, they are insured only in a course of obedience.