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The Girdle of Gladness, February 26
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put
off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.
Psalm 30:11
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Many who are seeking for happiness will be disappointed in their
hopes, because they seek it amiss. True happiness is not to be found
in selfish gratification, but in the path of duty. God desires man to be
happy, and for this reason He gave him the precepts of His law, that in
obeying these he might have joy at home and abroad. While he stands in
his moral integrity, true to principle, having the control of all his powers,
he cannot be miserable. With its tendrils entwined about God, the soul
will flourish amid unbelief and depravity. But many who are constantly
looking forward for happiness fail to receive it, because, by neglecting
to discharge the little duties and observe the little courtesies of life, they
violate the principles upon which happiness depends.
The currents of spiritual life must not become stagnant. The water
of the living fountain should be in us, a well of water springing up into
everlasting life, and sweeping away the selfishness of the natural heart....
Many build up barriers between themselves and Jesus so that His love
cannot flow into their hearts, and then they complain that they do not see
the Sun of Righteousness. Let them forget self and live for Jesus, and the
light of Heaven will bring gladness to their souls....
The fact that Jesus died to bring happiness and heaven within our
reach should be a theme for constant gratitude. The beauty spread before
us in God’s created works, as an expression of His love, should bring
gladness to our hearts. We open to ourselves the floodgates of woe or joy.
If we permit our thoughts to be engrossed with the troubles and trifles of
earth, our hearts will be filled with unbelief, gloom, and foreboding. If we
set our affections on things above, the voice of Jesus will speak peace to
our souls; murmurings will cease; vexing thoughts will be lost in praise
to our Redeemer. Those who dwell upon God’s great mercies, and are not
unmindful of His lesser gifts, will put on the girdle of gladness, and make
melody in their hearts to the Lord.
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