In this sermon, the speaker outlines five key ingredients for a fulfilling relationship with God. The first ingredient is the recognition of God's power, as seen in verse one. The second ingredient is the desire for God, emphasized in verse two. The third ingredient is working with God, as mentioned in verse six. The fourth ingredient is speaking to God, highlighted in verse eight. Lastly, the fifth ingredient is trusting in God, as stated in verse twelve. The speaker also provides practical illustrations to help understand these concepts, such as the example of a plane defying gravity. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's power, desiring a relationship with Him, actively working with Him, speaking to Him, and ultimately trusting in Him.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God in our lives. He refers to Psalm 14:1, where it says that the fool says in his heart, "there is no God." However, the preacher suggests that the fool actually means "there is no God for me," indicating a lack of personal recognition of God. The preacher then presents a prescription for lasting joy, which includes recognizing God, desiring God, walking with God, talking to God, and trusting in God. He concludes by urging the congregation to have a personal relationship with Christ and to find complete satisfaction in Him.

Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of congregational gatherings in worship, rooted in the biblical promise that where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, He is present among them. He traces the origins of public worship back to Genesis, highlighting the importance of communal worship as a means of receiving God's blessings and fostering spiritual growth. Bonar warns against the dangers of neglecting assembly, noting that true worshippers gather to reflect on God's name and attributes, which enhances their spiritual experience. He encourages believers to expect the presence of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during these gatherings, urging them to share the message of salvation with others. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a renewed commitment to congregational worship, anticipating the eternal gathering with the Lord.

John Gill preaches on the theme of the dejected believer's struggle with despair, drawing from Psalm 40:11. He reflects on the Psalmist's longing for God's presence amidst trials and afflictions, emphasizing the importance of self-encouragement and hope in God. Gill highlights that believers often face dejection due to sin, Satan's temptations, and the hiddenness of God, yet they are called to remember God's past faithfulness and to praise Him for His grace and mercy. He encourages the congregation to maintain faith and hope, assuring them that they will yet praise God, who is the health of their countenance and their God. The sermon serves as a reminder of the eternal hope and comfort found in God, especially in times of distress.

Thomas Watson emphasizes that true love for God is evidenced by a deep desire for His presence in all aspects of life, a genuine hatred for sin, a coolness towards worldly things, an inability to live without Him, and a willingness to go to great lengths to seek Him. Those who love God prioritize Him above all else, including wealth and even life itself. Additionally, genuine love for God is reflected in a love for His saints and a fear of dishonoring Him, leading to repentance and a deep sorrow for sin.

James Bourne preaches on the importance of walking with Christ as we first received Him, emphasizing the need to maintain a fervent spirit and constant communion with Jesus. He warns against losing our first love and becoming indifferent towards Christ and His teachings, urging believers to guard against spiritual decay and seek to keep their conscience blameless. Bourne encourages the congregation to hold fast to the truths of God, maintain a strong faith, and diligently use the means appointed by God for spiritual nourishment and growth.

Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of daily meditation and prayer, urging believers to retire to a private place, set aside worldly thoughts, and focus on heavenly realities to ignite a transformation from a forgetful sinner to an ardent lover of God. He emphasizes the anticipation of everlasting rest, the nearness of Christ's return, and the joy of being welcomed into God's kingdom. Baxter encourages a longing for heavenly glory, a surrender to God's will, and a readiness for Christ's return, highlighting the ultimate hope of eternal rest and joy in God's presence.

Jonathan Edwards discusses the effects of affections on the body, emphasizing that all affections, whether spiritual or not, have some impact on the body due to the close connection between the soul and body. He argues that great effects on the body do not necessarily indicate spiritual affections, as strong emotions can also arise from temporal or natural sources. Edwards challenges the notion that high spiritual affections cannot have a significant effect on the body, pointing out that divine revelations of God's glory can overwhelm the physical frame. He highlights biblical examples where intense religious affections led to bodily manifestations, suggesting that such bodily effects can be a sign of genuine spiritual experiences.