Meditation [No Date]
The sermon encourages the listener to rejoice in God, boasting in Him and walking in His law, and promises a glorious future in heaven.
Anne Bradstreet's sermon emphasizes the believer's joy in God, encouraging them to boast in Him, walk in His ways, and remain close to Him despite challenges. She speaks of the transformation of the believer, both inwardly and outwardly, into a glorious state where sorrows, sins, and worldly desires are no more, replaced by eternal joy and wisdom from God. The anticipation of being in God's presence and praising Him for His wonders is highlighted, expressing a longing for the return of Jesus and the ultimate dissolution into His presence.
Text
My soul, rejoice thou in thy God,
Boast of Him all the day,
Walk in His law, and kiss His rod
Cleave close to Him alway.
What though thy outward man decay,
Thy inward shall wax strong.
Thy body vile it shall be changed,
And glorious made erelong.
With angel's wings thy soul shall mount
To bliss unseen by eye,
And drink at unexhausted fount
Of joy unto eternity.
Thy tears shall all be dried up,
Thy sorrows all shall fly,
Thy sins shall ne'er be summoned up
Nor come in memory.
Then shall I know what Thou hast done
For me, unworthy me,
And praise Thee shall ev'n as I ought
For wonders that I see.
Base world, I trample on thy face,
Thy glory I despise,
No gain I find in ought below,
For God hath made me wise.
Come Jesus quickly, Blessed Lord.
Thy face when shall I see?
O let me count each hour a day
'Till I dissolved be.
Sermon Outline
- Rejoice in God
- Boast in Him all day
- Walk in His law
- Cleave close to Him
Key Quotes
“What though thy outward man decay, thy inward shall wax strong.” — Anne Bradstreet
“With angel's wings thy soul shall mount to bliss unseen by eye.” — Anne Bradstreet
“Come Jesus quickly, Blessed Lord. Thy face when shall I see?” — Anne Bradstreet
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to rejoice in God every day.
- Prioritize walking in God's law and cleaving to Him.
- Look forward to the glorious future in heaven, where our souls will be free to ascend and our sins will be forgotten.