THE FAMILY ALTAR -
July 14.
"The fruit of the Spirit is joy." Gal. 5:22.
Boisterous mirth does not in itself betray great joy. Many
a man sings and laughs and dances on his way through life whose
mind is tortured with guilt and fear. "The wicked rejoice; but
their joy is simply like letting off fireworks — they blaze away,
and seem to put the modest little stars to shame. But it is all
for a little while; they are over in a moment, while the quiet
stars are shining still." The only people that possess true, abiding
joy in this world of sin and sorrow are the Christians ; for dwelling
in their heart is God's Holy Spirit who causes them to "rejoice
in the Lord alway," even in the days of darkest sorrow. And why
should we Christians not always rejoice in our blessed Lord and
Savior? Does He not bless us with a good conscience by for-
giving us all our sins? Is He not with us every day and hour
of our life, helping, guiding, comforting, and saving us to the end ?
Where you find Christians who are always complaining about their
hard lot in life, who never have a smile or a pleasant word for
their neighbors, you can be sure that they are people who, though
they have put their hands to the plow, look regretfully back to
the fleeting things of this world and are therefore not fit for the
kingdom of God. (Luke 9, 62.) For the kingdom of God consists
not in eating and drinking, but in righteousness and peace and
joy in the Holy Ghost. Healthy children are always joyful and
happy. Even so healthy, childlike faith always rejoices in its
Savior, no matter how dark the valley through which it is led by
His gracious hand.
I will sing my Maker's praises
And in Him most joyful be,
For in all things I see traces
Of His tender love to me.
Nothing else but love could move Him,
With such sweet and tender care
Evermore to raise and bear
All who try to serve and love Him.
All things else have but their day.
God's great love abides for aye.
On this thought I dwell with pleasure;
For it granteth joy and peace.
Christ's cross hath its time and measure,
And at last will wholly cease.
When the winter disappeareth,
Lovely summer comes again;
Joy is giv'n for woe and pain
Who His cross in patience beareth
All things else have but their day,
God's great love abides for aye.
BRIEF DAILY DEVOTIONS
Based on Selected Scripture Texts
By
F. W. HERZBERGER
