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In this text from Paul Gerhardt, each Christian encourages himself to rejoice and maintain a cheerful trust in God for all things. He is our portion and treasure so that despair need not overwhelm us. As He has cared for us our whole lives long, so He will continue to care for us. His discipline comes from His love for us, the same love that has forgiven our sins in Christ. Therefore, we trust His guiding love to lead us home to Him. 

Rev. Charles St-Onge, missionary pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, through the Office of National Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 737, “Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing.” 

“Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy.  

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing

1 Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing,

A cheerful trust maintain;

For God, the source of ev’rything,

Your portion shall remain.

2 He is your treasure, He your joy,

Your life and light and Lord,

Your Counselor when doubts annoy,

Your shield and great reward.

3 Why spend the day in blank despair,

In restless thought the night?

On your Creator cast your care;

He makes your burdens light.

4 Did not His love and truth and pow’r

Guard ev’ry childhood day?

And did He not in threat’ning hour

Turn dreaded ills away?

5 He only will with patience chide,

His rod falls gently down;

And all your sins He casts aside

In ocean depths to drown.

6 His wisdom never plans in vain

Nor falters nor mistakes.

All that His counsels may ordain

A blessed ending makes.

7 Upon your lips, then, lay your hand,

And trust His guiding love;

Then like a rock thy peace shall stand

Here and in heav’n above.