"Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work."
Psalm 92:4
Do you believe that your sins are forgiven, and that Christ has made a full
atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian you ought to be! How
you should live above the common trials and troubles of the world! Since sin is
forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord,
smite, for my sin is forgiven; if Thou hast but forgiven me, smite as hard as
Thou wilt"; and in a similar spirit you may say, "Send sickness, poverty,
losses, crosses, persecution, what Thou wilt, Thou hast forgiven me,
and my soul is glad." Christian, if thou art thus saved, whilst thou art glad,
be grateful and loving. Cling to that cross which took thy sin away;
serve thou Him who served thee. "I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which
is your reasonable service." Let not your zeal evaporate in some little
ebullition of song. Show your love in expressive tokens. Love the brethren of
Him who loved you. If there be a Mephibosheth anywhere who is lame or halt, help
him for Jonathan's sake. If there be a poor tried believer, weep with him, and
bear his cross for the sake of Him who wept for thee and carried thy sins. Since
thou art thus forgiven freely for Christ's sake, go and tell to others the
joyful news of pardoning mercy. Be not contented with this unspeakable blessing
for thyself alone, but publish abroad the story of the cross. Holy gladness and
holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be a pulpit
for you to preach in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the
Lord must give it you. Seek it this morning before you go into the world. When
it is the Lord's work in which we rejoice, we need not be afraid of being too
glad. Psalm 92:4
