Sunday, April 23, 2023

Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven....

 

Not all that this world bestows can heal a broken heart, or impart peace of mind, or remove care, or banish disease. Fame, genius, talent—all are powerless to gladden the sorrowful heart or to restore the wasted life. The life of God in the soul is man’s only hope. 

The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every vital part—the brain, the heart, the nerves—it touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care, that crush the life forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul joy that nothing earthly can destroy—joy in the Holy Spirit—health-giving, life-giving joy.—The Ministry of Healing, 115. 

When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when, by faith, the soul surrenders itself to God.—The Desire of Ages, 173. RRe 115

 

Those who are partakers of Christ's sufferings will also be partakers of His consolation and at last sharers of His glory.—The Acts of the Apostles, 261. Hvn 81 

 

 

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness. Psalm 30:11. KJV