Psalm 37:3-8 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and truly you shall be fed.… I. EVERY MAN DELIGHTS IN SOMETHING We possess affections, and they must have an object. II. EVERY MAN DESIRES THAT WHICH HE DELIGHTS IN. 1. The object of our delight is a loadstone which draws us toward itself. Wealth, honour, virtue. 2. In proportion to the intensity of our delight is the strength of our desire. 3. Our desire will control our thoughts, and aims, and actions. What the spring is to the watch, and the sun is to the solar system, desire is to the life. How important is it, then, that the objects we desire should be worthy of our aspirations. III. THE GODLY MAN DELIGHTS IN GOD, AND CONSEQUENTLY DOES NOT DESIRE ANYTHING WHICH IS OPPOSED TO HIS WILL. 1. But his desire is not only negative; it is strongly and intelligently positive. (1) He delights in God's Word, and studies it, that He may know God's will. (2) He delights in God's purposes, and is anxious to further them. (3) He delights in God's character, and lives to reflect it. 2. Such a desire is more than a desire. It is a determination — a determination to be as God is, and to do His will as it is done in heaven. IV. GOD IS ALWAYS READY TO GIVE WHAT HE APPROVES, AND WHAT WE DELIGHT IN AND DESIRE. He cannot refuse anything which He has promised; He must and will give Himself to those who delight in and desire Him. V. HE WHO MAKES GOD HIS CHIEF GOOD, DESIRES GOD, AND RECEIVES GOD, HAS IN HIMSELF THE SECRET OF REAL SATISFACTION. What more can we have than God? Possessing Him, we possess all things. (J. Baker Norton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.WEB: Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. |
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