Joy fountains in God.
Prayer book Version, "All my fresh springs shall be in thee." Jennings and Lowe render," All my well springs [of delight] are singing aloud like instrument players because of [literally, 'in'] thee." The springs are evidently our springs of gladness; and the sentence is best given thus: "Both they that sing and dance, all my fountains of delight are in thee;" with this as the meaning, "every source of pleasure, song, music, dancing, etc; was to be found ha Zion." The psalmist is praising Zion, not directly praising God: so his figures are naturally taken from the pleasures of the holy city, and especially of the sacred temple and its services. Remember that David had devoted genius and skill to the improvement of worship; had introduced music and poetry, until the old sombre ritual of Mosaism had become glorified. The joy of God's everyday service ought to be illustrated by the brightness, attractiveness, and holy joy of our sanctuary services. Men ought to feel that it must be a joy to serve God always, because it is such an evident joy to serve God sometimes.
I. JOY FOUNTAINS IN GOD'S WORSHIP.
II. JOY FOUNTAINS IN DAILY LIFE.
III. JOY FOUNTAINS IN WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US.
IV. JOY FOUNTAINS IN WHAT GOD IS DOING FOR US.
V. JOY FOUNTAINS IN GOD HIMSELF. "When all created streams are dried, his fulness is the same."
Impress that true religion cannot be gloomy and depressing. Its atmosphere of trust is an atmosphere of gladness. We are saddened if we look down upon the path of our feet; or in upon our frail selves; we need never be saddened if we look up—"look off unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." We may find ever fresh flowing springs of delight in God, and in this world of God's which is his Zion for us.—R.T.
HOMILIES BY C. SHORT