Free, Full & Fruitful

FREE, FULL & FRUITFUL

1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Happiness is defined as a condition of supreme well-being and good spirits, joy, cheerfulness, gladness, blessedness.

Happiness is conditional. We know that happiness is not the result of accumulation of things because some of the most miserable people in the world have every thing money can buy.

Happiness does not come from pleasure alone, because many pleasures leave people feeling empty, used and worse than before.

In 1948, Life magazine brought together labor-union leaders, industrial leaders, university scholars, and clergy to discuss what the framers of the Constitution had in mind when they referred to “the pursuit of happiness.” They concluded that – steady work under good conditions at a living wage was absolutely essential. One participant, who had been crippled by polio, said, “It is my experience that suffering and pain are, unfortunately, great character builders—not that suffering is good in itself, but because it often helps to shift our expectation of happiness from without to a search within.”

Happiness isn’t found by pursuing happiness. It’s the result of seeking an ever-closer walk with God. When we do, we will find a depth of happiness no person or thing can give.

I believe the way to experience true happiness is by knowing God and living a life of faith and obedience.

This Psalm is a song of Joy.

• In it, we meet happy people filled with laughter and singing – The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad (v 3).

• Because of their joy, the people around them are aware of God – The unsaved said, The LORD hath done great things for them (v 2).

This Psalm doesn’t define happiness but it does reveal what produces happiness.

#1. Happiness is the result of FREEDOM – v1-3. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

The residents of Jerusalem have just experienced a sudden miracles deliverance from a devastating enemy named Sennacherib.

This Psalm is written during the reign of King Hezekiah (2 Chron 32; 2 Kings 18-19; Isa 36-37). The deliverance was so great that the people of neighboring nations also rejoiced.

The Assyrian army devastated the land during their invasion:

• Hezekiah stopped the springs that flowed through the valley...

• The Assyrians blundered cities, crops and livestock...

• They prevented supplies from coming into the city...

• In one night God miraculously delivered them...

What Is The Spiritual Application?

• There is no joy in bondage and slavery.

• Sin leads to bondage (drugs, alcohol, immorality, rebellion).

• Other forms of bondage – fear, loneliness, hopelessness, etc…

John 8:31-32, 36 Then said Jesus…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

As Believer’s, We Are Set Free From…

• Condemnation – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8)

• The Power of Sin – For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)

• The Fear of Death – Behold, I shew you a mystery;…52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,…the dead shall be raised incorruptible,… 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54…then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:51-57)

• The Power of Satan – Jesus Christ has… delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. (Colossians 1:13)