Bible Reading: (Deuteronomy 33:29)
Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
No stranger belief can be found than that faith called "Christianity." There is both joy and sorrow intermingled. The joy comes from above and cannot be overcome - squelched, perhaps, but not overcome. There is a peace that passes all understanding. This peace is unheard of in the world save in those who follow Christ. It flows through prayer, communion, and genuine fellowship with the Savior. It is expressed in humble confidence and willing sacrifice in love to others and the Lord. Fear is gone, yet sorrow still may be found - a sorrow over sin.
Sorrow over sin comes in two packages - sorrow over one's own sin, and sorrow over the sins of others. One's own sin becomes evident all too often in life. Yet, we may be happy in spite of it - for Christ is the remedy and the redeemer. Godly sorrow produces repentance and is good. Through repentance and faith in Christ, the joy of Salvation fills us full to overflowing. The sins of others break our hearts - and God's. We hate to see their pain, their suffering at the hands of sin. How different it could be if they would live a life of faith! So much sin destroys families, hardens hearts, and paralyzes people. Yet, we may be happy in spite of it - for Christ is the remedy and the redeemer. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Therefore, we take the remedy and redeemer to them in the form of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
That joy, that happiness, and that peace that we have through Jesus Christ overshadows all sorrow, though. We may call out "Abba, Father" with confidence because fear is put away. We may consider ourselves rich because our treasure is in heaven - our home - for all eternity. Our enemies will receive recompense for their deeds because our Father is Just. Chastisement corrects us and is the sign of the Father's love. Can we who are in love with Christ be sorrowful knowing we are forever His? His inheritance is ours. There is none who can take it away, nor destroy our eventual receipt of it. We have a happiness that comes from confidence in the protection of the the Almighty, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit who walks with us along life's path.
No matter your situation, take heart, dear brother. "This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Bro. Greg
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Pastor Greg