Finding Joy and Sweetness Through Meditation on God

 

Summary

As long as we live, let us sing praises to God, for our meditation on Him is sweet and brings joy to our hearts. The contemplation of divine things is often misunderstood as a source of melancholy, but true religion brings happiness and adds sweetness to our lives. Earthly pleasures are enhanced by the grace of God, purifying our hearts and enriching our experiences. Religion can transform the most sorrowful into joy and make the joyful even more joyful. It offers a heavenly gladness that surpasses all earthly delights.

Meditation is a profitable exercise, often neglected in our busy lives. It is not a waste of time but a judicious use of it, providing rest and refreshment to the spirit. Just as physical rest is necessary for the body, meditation is essential for the soul. It allows us to digest and assimilate knowledge, turning raw information into wisdom. Meditation is the oil that makes the soul supple, preparing it for service and enabling it to engage deeply with spiritual truths.

The greatest subject of meditation is God Himself. Whether we meditate on God the Father, the Holy Spirit, or Jesus Christ, we find an inexhaustible source of sweetness and joy. Meditating on Jesus, in particular, brings comfort and hope. He is the Son of God, yet also our brother, who suffered and died for our sins. His love and grace are sweeter than wine, and our relationship with Him is eternal, stretching from before the foundation of the world into the glory of heaven.

In this world filled with bitterness, the sweetness of meditating on Christ is a balm for our souls. It absorbs the bitterness of life's trials and offers a foretaste of the victory over death. As we meditate on Christ, we are reminded of His promises and the hope of His second coming, when He will restore all things and reign as the universal Monarch. Let us not neglect this precious exercise, for it is through meditation that we grow in grace and draw nearer to God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Joy of True Religion: True religion enhances happiness and adds sweetness to life. It purifies the heart and enriches experiences, transforming sorrow into joy and making the joyful even more joyful. Religion offers a heavenly gladness that surpasses all earthly delights. [02:28]

- The Importance of Meditation: Meditation is a profitable exercise that provides rest and refreshment to the spirit. It is essential for the soul, allowing us to digest and assimilate knowledge, turning raw information into wisdom. Meditation prepares the soul for service and enables deep engagement with spiritual truths. [06:08]

- Meditation on God: The greatest subject of meditation is God Himself. Whether we meditate on God the Father, the Holy Spirit, or Jesus Christ, we find an inexhaustible source of sweetness and joy. Meditating on Jesus, in particular, brings comfort and hope, as He is both the Son of God and our brother. [21:38]

- Sweetness in a Bitter World: In a world filled with bitterness, the sweetness of meditating on Christ is a balm for our souls. It absorbs the bitterness of life's trials and offers a foretaste of the victory over death. Meditation on Christ reminds us of His promises and the hope of His second coming. [33:10]

- The Call to Meditate: Let us not neglect the precious exercise of meditation, for it is through meditation that we grow in grace and draw nearer to God. Meditation is essential for spiritual growth and communion with God, and it is through this practice that we can experience the fullness of our relationship with Christ. [38:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Meditation
- [00:35] - Joy in True Religion
- [01:42] - Religion and Happiness
- [02:28] - Transformative Power of Faith
- [04:01] - Profitable Exercise of Meditation
- [06:08] - Meditation as Rest and Refreshment
- [09:50] - Meditation as a Wine Press
- [12:25] - Meditation and Spiritual Readiness
- [14:13] - Meditation in Religion
- [18:48] - Precious Subject of Meditation
- [21:38] - Meditation on Jesus Christ
- [28:12] - Christ's Relationship to the World
- [33:10] - Sweetness in Meditation
- [38:04] - Call to Meditate and Conclusion

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 104:33-34: "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord."

2. Isaiah 61:3: "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

3. Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 104:33-34, what is the psalmist's response to God's presence and character? How does this relate to the concept of meditation? [00:12]

2. In the sermon, how is meditation described as beneficial for the soul, and what analogy is used to explain its importance? [06:08]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between meditation and joy in the life of a believer? [02:28]

4. How does the sermon describe the effect of meditating on Jesus Christ in a world filled with bitterness? [33:10]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the psalmist's declaration in Psalm 104:33-34 reflect the idea that true religion enhances happiness and adds sweetness to life? [00:12]

2. What might be the significance of the analogy of meditation as a "wine press" in the sermon, and how does it relate to the transformation of knowledge into wisdom? [10:06]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that meditation on Christ can absorb the bitterness of life's trials and offer a foretaste of victory over death? [33:10]

4. How does the sermon portray the role of meditation in preparing the soul for service and enabling deep engagement with spiritual truths? [06:08]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current practice of meditation. How can you incorporate more intentional meditation on God into your daily routine to enhance your spiritual growth? [06:08]

2. Consider a recent trial or challenge in your life. How might meditating on Christ's promises and His second coming provide comfort and hope in that situation? [33:10]

3. Identify one area of your life where you experience joy. How can you invite God's presence into that area to make the joyful even more joyful, as suggested in the sermon? [02:28]

4. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by the busyness of life. How can you create space for meditation to provide rest and refreshment for your spirit? [07:15]

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of meditating on Jesus Christ. What specific aspect of Christ's life or character can you focus on this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [21:38]

6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to engage in the practice of meditation, and what benefits might they experience as a result? [38:04]

7. Reflect on the idea that meditation is essential for spiritual growth and communion with God. What steps can you take to prioritize this practice in your spiritual journey? [38:04]

Devotional

Day 1: The Joy of True Religion
True religion is not a burden but a source of profound joy and sweetness in life. It purifies the heart and enriches our experiences, transforming sorrow into joy and making the joyful even more joyful. This heavenly gladness surpasses all earthly delights, offering a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness. By embracing true religion, we allow God's grace to enhance our earthly pleasures, making them more meaningful and satisfying. The joy that comes from a genuine relationship with God is transformative, providing a sense of peace and contentment that the world cannot offer. [02:28]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: How can you invite God's presence into your daily routine to experience the fullness of joy He offers?


Day 2: The Importance of Meditation
Meditation is a vital exercise for the soul, often overlooked in our busy lives. It is not a waste of time but a judicious use of it, providing rest and refreshment to the spirit. Just as physical rest is necessary for the body, meditation is essential for the soul. It allows us to digest and assimilate knowledge, turning raw information into wisdom. Through meditation, we prepare our souls for service and enable deep engagement with spiritual truths. This practice is crucial for spiritual growth and communion with God, helping us to experience the fullness of our relationship with Him. [06:08]

Psalm 119:15-16 (ESV): "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word."

Reflection: What specific time can you set aside each day this week to meditate on God's word and allow it to transform your heart?


Day 3: Meditation on God
The greatest subject of meditation is God Himself. Whether we meditate on God the Father, the Holy Spirit, or Jesus Christ, we find an inexhaustible source of sweetness and joy. Meditating on Jesus, in particular, brings comfort and hope, as He is both the Son of God and our brother. His love and grace are sweeter than wine, and our relationship with Him is eternal, stretching from before the foundation of the world into the glory of heaven. This meditation offers a profound sense of peace and assurance, reminding us of the depth of God's love and the hope we have in Christ. [21:38]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: How can you intentionally focus your thoughts on the character and promises of God today?


Day 4: Sweetness in a Bitter World
In a world filled with bitterness, the sweetness of meditating on Christ is a balm for our souls. It absorbs the bitterness of life's trials and offers a foretaste of the victory over death. As we meditate on Christ, we are reminded of His promises and the hope of His second coming, when He will restore all things and reign as the universal Monarch. This meditation provides comfort and strength, helping us to navigate the challenges of life with grace and hope. It is a precious exercise that draws us closer to God and fills our hearts with His peace. [33:10]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen."

Reflection: What current trial can you bring before God in meditation, asking Him to reveal His sweetness and hope in the midst of it?


Day 5: The Call to Meditate
Let us not neglect the precious exercise of meditation, for it is through meditation that we grow in grace and draw nearer to God. Meditation is essential for spiritual growth and communion with God, and it is through this practice that we can experience the fullness of our relationship with Christ. By setting aside time to meditate on God's word and His character, we open our hearts to His transformative power and allow His truth to shape our lives. This intentional practice helps us to align our hearts with God's will and experience the depth of His love and grace. [38:04]

Joshua 1:8 (ESV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to incorporate meditation into your daily routine, ensuring it becomes a consistent and transformative practice in your life?

Quotes

I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live I will sing praise to my God while I have my being my meditation of him shall be sweet I will be glad in the Lord it is often often been insinuated if it has not been openly said that the contemplation of divine things has a tendency to depress the spirits religion many thoughtful persons have supposed does not become the young it checks the ardor of their youthful blood it may be very well for men with gray heads who need something to comfort and solice them as they descend the hill of life into the grave. [00:01:28]

No man is so happy but he would be happier still if he had True Religion the man with a fullness of Earthly Pleasures whose barns are full of corn and whose presses burst with new WI would not lose any part of his happiness had he the grace of God in his heart rather that Joy would add sweetness to all his Prosperity it would strain off many of the bitter dregs from his cup it would purify his heart and freshen his tastes for delights and show him how to extract more honey from the honeycomb religion is a thing that can make the most Melancholy joyful. [00:11:32]

Meditation is a word that more than half of you I fear do not know how to spell you know how to repeat the letters of the word but I mean to say you cannot spell it in the reality of life you do not occupy yourselves with any meditation what do many of you who are Merchants know concerning this matter you rise up in the morning just in time to take your accustom seat in the Omnibus you hasten to your Counting house for your letters and there you continue you all day long for business when you are busy or for gossip when business is dull. [00:04:27]

Meditation is most profitable to the spirit it is an extremely healthful and excellent occupation far from being wasted time it is a judicious employment of time do not imagine that the meditative man is necessarily lazy contrary wise he lays the best foundation for useful Works he is not the best student who reads the most books but he who meditates the most upon them he shall not learn most of divinity who hears the greatest number of sermons but he who meditates the most devoutly upon what he does here. [00:06:00]

Meditation is the machine in which the raw material of knowledge is converted to the best uses let me compare it to a wine press by reading and research and study We Gather The Grapes but it is by meditation that we press out the juice of those grapes and obtain the wine how is it that many men who read very much know very little the reason is they read to upon toome and stow away knowledge with lumbering confusion inside their heads till they have laid so much weight on their brain that it cannot work. [00:10:00]

Meditation is to the soul what oil was to the body of the wrestlers when those old athletes went out to wrestle they always took care before they went to oil themselves well to make their joints Supple and fit for their task now meditation makes the soul Supple makes it so it can use things when they come into the Mind who are the men that can go into a controversy and get the Mastery why are The Men Who meditate when they are alone who are the men that can preach not those who Gad about and never commune with their own Hearts alone. [00:12:45]

Meditation in religion as meditation is good for the mind even upon worldly topics and natural science much more is it useful when we come to spiritual learning the best and most saintly of men have been men of meditation Isaac went out into the fields at even tide to meditate David says I will meditate in thy statutes Paul who himself meditated continually on all that related to the gospel writing to Timothy concerning the important things needful in a good minister of Jesus Christ says meditate upon these things give thyself holy to them that thy profiting may appear to all. [00:14:13]

To the Christian meditation is most essential I should almost question the being of a Christian and I should positively deny his well-being who lived habitually without meditation meditation and prayer are twin sisters and both of them appear to me equally necessary to Christian Life I think meditation must exist where there is prayer and prayer is sure to exist where there is meditation ation my brethren there is nothing more wanting to make Christians grow in Grace nowadays than meditation most of you are painfully negligent in this matter. [00:15:00]

My meditation of him shall be sweet to whom does that word hym refer I suppose it may refer to all the three Persons Of The Glorious Trinity my meditation upon Jehovah shall be sweet and verily if you sit down to meditate upon God the father and Muse upon his Sovereign immutable unchangeable love toward his elect people if you think of God the father as the great author and originator of the Plan of Salvation if you think of him as the mighty being who by two immutable things wherein it is impossible for him to lie hath given us strong consolation. [00:18:45]

Consider Christ in any way you please and your meditation of him will be sweet Jesus may be compared to some of those lenses you have perhaps seen which you may take up and hold in one way and you see one light you hold them in another way and you see another light and whichever way you turn them you will always see some precious sparkling of light and some new colors starting up in your view ah take Jesus for the theme of your meditation sit down and consider him think of his relation to your own soul and you will never get to the end of that one subject. [00:24:20]

Think of Jesus in this relationship as the repairer of the breach the restorer of paths to dwell in he will come again to our Earth one day and when he comes he will find this world still defaced with the old curs upon it the Primeval Curse Of Eden he will find plague and pestilence and War here still but when he comes he will bid men beat their swords into plowshares and their Spears into pruning hooks War shall be obliterated from Among The Sciences he shall give the word and there shall be a great company that will publish it and the Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. [00:28:12]

What a mercy dear friends that there is something sweet in this world for us we need it I'm sure for as for most other things in the world they are very very bitter go through the great laboratory of this world and how many will be the cases that you will see marked bitter there are perhaps more alows put in our cup than any other ingredient we have to take a great quanti of bitters in the course of Our Lives what a mercy it is then that there is one thing that is sweet my meditation of him shall be sweet so sweet beloved that all the other bitters are quite swallowed up in its sweetness. [00:33:10]

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Transcript
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