Deeper Life #180

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

—John 16:33

I WANT TO GIVE YOU A strange warning: Beware of the “gospel of cheerfulness.” Many well-meaning people tell us to ignore sin and to ignore gloomy people; yet more than half of the human race is gloomy.

Sum up your own circle of acquaintances, and then draw your inference. Go over the list, and before long you will come across one who is gloomy. How are you going to get that person’s oppression taken off? By telling him to “cheer up”? No! By urging him to spend several weeks by the seaside? No! By giving him iron pills? No!

Living in the joy of God’s forgiveness and favor is the only thing that will bring cheerfulness to such a person. God’s healing of a sick soul is complete.

Prayer Thought: Dear Lord, in You is joy and happiness. May my life reflect this joy to others.

SUGGESTED READING: John 16:17–33