SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS

EVENING DEVOTION 

NOVEMBER 8

 

Psalm 100:2

Serve the LORD with gladness:

 
Our God is infinitely happy, and he loves to see his creature happy.
 
He provided everything necessary to make them happy at first, but sin disturbed and destroyed much of God’s fair creation.
 
He would have us happy now, happy in his service.
 
Therefore he has provided for our happiness in the everlasting gospel.
 
He says, “Believe and I will give you a free pardon—I will confer on you a perfect righteousness—I will purify your hearts—I will supply all your wants—I will admit you unto my presence for my holy fellowship—I will keep you by my power—I will give you grace while you live, and glory when you die.”
 
Is not this enough to make you happy?
 
To induce you to “Serve the Lord with gladness?”
 
Brethren, in God’s service we should be cheerful; but if so, we must realize our adoption, and serve him as dear children who are fully persuaded of a Father’s love.
 
Let us serve him out of love.
 
Let us serve him in the world, in our families, and in the church; and let it be legibly written out on our conduct, so that all may read it, “I serve God, I serve him cheerfully. I would not be otherwise employed.”
 

Lord, disperse my sin and sadness,

Speak salvation to my heart;

Then i’ll serve with joy and gladness,

And my noblest powers exert.

 
James Smith