Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
God Himself puts gladness in the heart, and that gladness is greater than the joy belonging to the time when corn and wine increase. This inner joy is given by the lifting of the light of His countenance upon His people, and as such it surpasses all temporal prosperity. It is given to those who receive and believe in Christ as Redeemer.
In its setting this gladness belongs together with answered prayer, with being set apart as godly, with offering the sacrifices of righteousness, and with putting trust in the Lord. It belongs with confidence in God when troubles increase. It belongs with lying down in peace and in sleep, because He alone gives safety and makes His people dwell in safety.
The verse is a promise to be relied upon for encouragement and consolation in distress, especially comforting to read to the sick and the dying.
God Himself puts gladness in the heart, and that gladness is greater than the joy belonging to the time when corn and wine increase. This inner joy is given by the lifting of the light of His countenance upon His people, and as such it surpasses all temporal prosperity. It is given to those who receive and believe in Christ as Redeemer.
In its setting this gladness belongs together with answered prayer, with being set apart as godly, with offering the sacrifices of righteousness, and with putting trust in the Lord. It belongs with confidence in God when troubles increase. It belongs with lying down in peace and in sleep, because He alone gives safety and makes His people dwell in safety.
The verse is a promise to be relied upon for encouragement and consolation in distress, especially comforting to read to the sick and the dying.