Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. A prayer of thanksgiving and praise

a. Prayer is not only to be made in times of need

b. Prayer also involves thanksgiving and praise to God   (Psalm 92:1)

c. Thanksgiving and praise come from a heart that is glad   (Psalm 92:4)

2. The things in life that bring gladness

a. Special seasons

i. Chinese New Year is a special season of joy

ii. There are many expressions of joy associated with it

b. Special people

i. Our family and children

ii. Our loved ones

3. Above all, God is our special source of gladness

a. God wants to put a special gladness in our heart   (Psalm 92:4)

b. Our challenge

i. To receive this gladness well

ii. To cultivate it within our hearts

CULTIVATING GLADNESS WITHIN OUR HEART

1. By appreciating God’s work personally   (Psalm 92:12-14)

“For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work”

a. He has promised to bless our lives wonderfully

i. He will bless the righteous   (Psalm 92:12-15)

ii. But not the wicked   (Psalm 92:7)

b. A life that is blessed by God is likened to a strong tree (palm tree, cedar tree)   (Psalm 92:12)

i. It is planted

ii. It grows

iii. It flourishes

iv. It is fruitful

c. Even in old age, the tree remains strong   (Psalm 92:14)

i. Fresh

ii. Flourishing

iii. Fruitful

2. By responding in thanksgiving and praise

a. It is good   (Psalm 92:1)

i. To give thanks to the LORD

ii. To sing praises to His name

b. It is good to do so regularly   (Psalm 92:2)

i. Morning and evening

ii. Thinking about the faithfulness and lovingkindness of God

CONCLUSION

1. Wishing you the Lord’s special blessing of joy this CNY

a. Not only joy from earthly things

b. But a special gladness from the LORD Himself

2. Let us also be challenged to cultivate this heart of gladness

a. Take time to reflect

i. How God has blessed

ii. How God has provided and protected all these years

iii. How God has given you a faith that remains fresh and flourishing

b. Take time for thanksgiving and praise

i. As an expression of our joy in the Lord

ii. Because He has been so good to us