April 18, 1907

“Rejoice in the Lord”

EGW

Christ declares, “The bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.... I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.”RH April 18, 1907, par. 1

Are not these words applicable to many today? We think that we believe in Christ; but have we his light and life? We do not believe as we should; therefore we do not receive the blessings that God has in store for us. We have seen God working on hearts. We have seen him strengthening men and women to come out from the world and receive Christ as their personal Saviour. Have we thanked God as we should for the wonderful work that he has wrought? Let us recount the blessings of God, and praise him for them. We grieve our Heavenly Father when we are unmindful of his mercies—like the heath in the desert “that knoweth not when good cometh.”RH April 18, 1907, par. 2

When trials come into our lives, when clouds darken the horizon, how ready we are to forget that Jesus is our Saviour, that behind the clouds the Sun of Righteousness is shining; that angels are close beside us, preserving us from harm. I would say to the despairing, Look and live. Hope thou in God; for on Calvary's cross a complete sacrifice was offered for you. Jesus is the sinner's Friend, the sinner's Redeemer. Eternal joy—a life of undimmed happiness—awaits the one who surrenders all to Christ. Look away from yourself to Jesus, who is pleading before the throne of God in your behalf. Listen to his words, “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest.” “Him that cometh to me I will in nowise cast out.” With the hand of faith grasp the promises of God. Appropriate these blessings to yourself, not at some future time, but today.RH April 18, 1907, par. 3

The strongest temptation can not excuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel any one to do evil. Satan attacks us at our weakest points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or unexpected the attack, God has provided help for us, and in his strength we may conquer. In the hour of greatest need when discouragement overwhelms the soul, then it is that Jesus comes very near. The hour of man's necessity is God's opportunity. He sees our danger and provides help for us. Unseen by us, he saves us from the foe. Let us praise him at all times. He is always near us, and he never fails to send us help in every time of need.RH April 18, 1907, par. 4

Your heart may be so oppressed that all seems dark and dreary, but look to Jesus constantly. Take all your troubles to him. He will never misunderstand you. He is the refuge of his people. Under the shadow of his protection they can pass unharmed. Believe in him and trust in him. He will not give you up to the spoiler. Flee to the stronghold, and learn that the power of Christ to strengthen and help passes all comprehension. Open the door of the heart and let Jesus enter to fill your life with his peace, his grace, his joy. Then you can say: “Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olives shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”RH April 18, 1907, par. 5

Dear Christian friends, drop the burdens that God does not ask you to carry. The more you think and talk of these self-imposed burdens, the larger they grow, until at last they will utterly destroy your faith and courage. Do not think that when you walk with Jesus, you must walk in the shadow. The happiest people in the world are those who trust in Jesus and gladly do his bidding. He is the light of life. From the lives of those who follow him, unrest and discontent are banished. With a full heart they echo the words of the wise man, Wisdom's “ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” Though they meet with trials and difficulties, their lives are full of joy; for Christ walks beside them, and his presence makes the pathway bright.RH April 18, 1907, par. 6