5 FEBRUARY
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall
rest in hope.
Psalm 16:9
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING:
Nehemiah 8:9-12
In this verse the psalmist commends
the inestimable fruit of faith. Under the protection of God, we not only enjoy
mental tranquility but also live with joy and cheer. The essential part of a
happy life is tranquility of conscience and of mind, whereas there is no
greater unhappiness than to be tossed with a multiplicity of cares and fears.
The ungodly, however intoxicated
with the spirit of thoughtlessness or stupidity, do not experience true joy or
serene mental peace; rather, terrible agitations often come upon them and
trouble them to constrain them to awake from their lethargy. In short, calm
rejoicing is the lot of the person who has learned to place confidence in God
alone, and to commit his life and safety to God’s protection.
When encompassed with innumerable
troubles, let us then be persuaded that the only remedy is to direct our eyes
toward God. If we do this, faith will not only ease our minds but will also
replenish us with fullness of joy. That is not without cause, for true
believers not only have joy in the secret affection of their heart but also
manifest it with the tongue in glorifying God as the one who protects them and
secures their salvation.
John Calvin
FOR MEDITATION: The Christian
life is characterized by deep, true joy, even in the midst of affliction. Do
you know this kind of faith? How does directing our eyes to God bring peace in
any circumstance?
365 Days With Calvin
Selected and Edited by Joel R.
Beeke
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