PSALM 33:20-21 – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
THEME OF THE DAY. THE WAY TO A GLAD HEART. Every Christian wants a glad heart; a heart that rejoices in the Lord and walks in the joy of the Lord. Not only is it our desire, but it is also the desire and the promise of our Lord Jesus who is the source of a glad heart. In the Upper Room Discourse, John 13 through John 17, the Lord shares these truths with His disciples. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Later in the greatest prayer ever offered, Jesus petitions His Father with these words, “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13).
Even though the joy of the Lord leading to a glad heart is the desire and legacy given to every true child of God, it doesn’t just happen. We don’t rise in the morning, go to the medicine cabinet, and take a “joy” vitamin providing time-released gladness of heart. Nor do we pray, “Lord give me a glad heart in you” and then sit back and wait for the “joy-zap” from heaven. No, a glad heart doesn’t come that way. Like all things in life, it is the product of conscious acts of faith and today’s scripture helps us see the direction such faith must go to know gladness or the joy of the Lord in our hearts. So, with this introduction, let’s dig a little deeper in this wonderful mine of God’s truth.
A glad heart, or a heart resting, rejoicing, and walking in the joy of the Lord, is a product of faith exercised toward His Holy Name. Yes, His Name. God places high emphasis on His Name. It is a huge issue with Him. In fact, He holds His name in such high esteem that the third commandment in the Ten Commandments is given over to His name. Moses wrote, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). And the Psalmist reminds us that God exalts two things about Himself – I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word (Psalm 138:2). But it isn’t just acknowledging His Name that brings gladness to the heart. It is remembering what His Name is to His people. God’s name reveals much about His character and His working in His people. Consider three of those works that bring gladness to the heart by trusting His name to do this work.
First, the name of the Lord brings gladness to the heart because of its strengthening power against our enemies – Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us (Psalm 44:5). God’s name is power to His children leading them to victory over their foes.
Next, the name of the Lord also is a source of help in times of weakness – Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8). Weak and weary Christian, call on His name. He will prove faithful to His name to give you needed help in time of trouble.
A third truth of the name of the Lord that brings gladness to our hearts is His name is a place of safety and protection – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe (Proverbs 18:10). When the howling winds of a dangerous world and the dreadful attacks from a malicious devil are upon us, run to His name; hide under its protective canopies. It will prove to be what Solomon states – a strong tower withstanding all the world and devil may throw our way.
Gladness of heart. Joy in the Lord. It is our Lord’s desire for His people and He has provided it through His glorious Name. Think long and hard upon its applications in daily living – strength, help, and protection – and if we do, gladness of heart will be ours and that in abundance.
PRAYER: “Father, allow me to do what You do – exalt Your Word and holy Name.”
QUOTE: “A glad heart in the Lord is not feelings-based, but faith-based on the trustworthiness of His holy name.”