A TRADE TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. 051

Andrew Barrett
Apr 18, 2021
3 min read

The bright and cheerful side of our religion will be represented by all who are daily consecrated to God. We should not dishonor God by the mournful relation of trials that appear grievous. All trials that are received as educators will produce joy. The whole religious life will be uplifting, elevating, ennobling, fragrant with good words and works.

It important to know, that while Jesus opens His arms to us and gives us a proper space to weep and mourn, He also invites us to joy. I believe the Christian faith, though beset with trials and affliction is full of blessings and things worthy of our highest praise and happiness. Let us speak faith amidst doubt, let us learn from trials and be joyful anyway. When tempted to complain and murmur let us offer the song and recite the scripture of praise. Say these words,

“Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” “I will extol Thee, O Lord; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto Thee, and Thou hast healed me.... Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” Psalm 29:1, 2; 30:1-4.

However, what do we do when life and its circumstances have stolen our smile? Much like I have said before, Jesus did not die to just forgive us of our sins but to also empower us to live above it. In the same vein is the idea that Jesus wept, not just so that He could weep with us, but ultimately that we wouldn’t have to. Notice these verses,

Isaiah 61:3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Will you trade with Him? Will you give Him your pain, your mourning and your tears in exchange for His blessing of joy and a crown of beauty?

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

This by no means is a post to belittle the past, present and future traumas that people have, are and will be called to endure. It is however, a post to get us to release, and ask God to wipe the tears, sorrow, crying and pain away.

The enemy is well pleased to have souls depressed, downcast, mourning and groaning; he wants just such impressions made as to the effect of our faith. But God designs that the mind shall take no low level. He desires every soul to triumph in the keeping power of the Redeemer.

The Father’s ideal is that we triumph in the keeping power of our redeemer, even when the stakes are high, and the fire is hot. In these situations, let us praise God, and praise Him still.

Lord help us to triumph over depression and such. Please place the right people, supports and resources in our lives that may help us when we are low.

Give us the voice of praise when it doesn't make sense.

Please