| The Secrets of a Beautiful Life |
Chapter 13 |
Page 5 |
Another secret of the joy of Christ was in his always keeping his face toward the light. His look was ever upward. His eye was ever turned toward his Father and toward heaven. He saw only brightness. Many Christians need to learn this lesson. They look too much at the darkness of the world. They think of their sorrow, not of their joy. They let fear drive out courage and hope. If we would have Christ’s joy we must train ourselves persistently — it is matter of training and habit largely — to look toward the light. There are flowers that keep their faces always turned toward the sun. That is the way we should learn to live. If we look ever toward the light, the light will enter into us and fill us with its own radiance.
In another of our Lord’s words he tells us that Christian joy is transformed sorrow. He said to his disciples, “Your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” He did not tell them that their sorrow should be taken away and joy given in its place, but that the sorrow itself should be turned into joy. When there has been a bereavement, he does not comfort by giving back the loved one. When there has been a disappointment, he does not undo it, and put into the life the dear thing that was wanted so much. The trouble is not removed, but it becomes a joy. This was fulfilled literally in respect to the cross, whose utter blackness became, later, the most glorious light the world has ever seen.
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