A young pastor just out of the seminary encountered his first counseling case when a dejected gentleman trudged into his office for comfort and peace of conscience.
The young pastor, having never counseled anyone before, was terrified and so he bought some time. He wanted to read his seminary notes and prepare some Bible passages, so he told the troubled man, “Come back next week at the same time and we’ll meet for an hour; for now, go see that famous comedian who’s at the Laugh-Alot-Cafe downtown. He keeps his audience in a constant roar and he’ll make you forget all your troubles.”
There was a moment of silence and the visitor groaned, “I am that comedian.”
How true, isn’t it, that while our lips might laugh in this world our hearts can be hurting? So shallow and temporary are the joys of this world, the funny movie, the hilarious joke, the silly situation.
But don’t despair! There is joy to be found, a joy in Jesus that not only takes us beyond this life, but helps us make it through this life.
“Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4)!
When what God says and what is happening in your life are two different things and you try to make sense out of what’s happening in your life, you just add to your troubles.
Rather, look to God’s promises. Put your whole hope and confidence in them. God can’t break them. God won’t go back on his Word. He’s bound to fulfill what he says.
And then, just because your gloom doesn’t immediately turn into gladness doesn’t mean God isn’t interested or can’t help. It may mean he just knows more than you do, wants more out of you than you do, or sees something in the future for which you need to be prepared.
So then, Christian gladness can take place even in the midst of gloom and sorrow! Christian gladness knows that we have been released from sin’s slavery, redeemed from sin’s guilt, and now suffer only as God permits for our good.
Gladness and joy don’t mean no problems, they mean dealing with problems God’s way. Or better yet, letting God deal with our problems. That’s enough to always make us happy!
PRAYER: When I can’t see a reason to rejoice, Lord, give me your word of promise. If circumstances overwhelm me or confusion overtakes me, hold me near to your heart, put a smile on my heart, and let others see that you always make me glad. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Read Philippians 4:4-7. God teaches more details about how to be glad in all things.