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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
Thus they bring wretchedness upon themselves and cast a shadow
upon all around them. Life itself becomes a burden to them.
But it need not be thus. It will cost a determined effort to change the
current of their thought. But the change can be made. Their happiness,
both for this life and for the life to come, depends upon their fixing
their minds upon cheerful things. Let them look away from the dark
picture, which is imaginary, to the benefits which God has strewn
in their pathway, and beyond these to the unseen and eternal.—
The
Ministry of Healing, 247, 248
(1905).
Casting a Shadow—It is not wise to gather together all
the unpleasant recollections of a past life—its iniquities and
disappointments—to talk over them and mourn over them until we are
overwhelmed with discouragement. A discouraged soul is filled with
darkness, shutting out the light of God from his own soul and casting
a shadow upon the pathway of others.—
Steps to Christ, 117
(1892).
Talk of Blessings, Less of Trials—The Lord’s merciful kindness
is great toward us. He will never leave nor forsake those who trust
[460]
in Him. If we would think and talk less of our trials and more of the
mercy and goodness of God, we would find ourselves raised above
much of our gloom and perplexity. My brethren and sisters, you who
feel that you are entering upon a dark path, and like the captives in
Babylon must hang your harps upon the willows, let us make trial of
cheerful song.
You may say, How can I sing, with this dark prospect before
me, with this burden of sorrow and bereavement upon my soul? But
have earthly sorrows deprived us of the all-powerful Friend we have in
Jesus? Should not the marvelous love of God in the gift of His dear Son
be a theme of continual rejoicing? When we bring our petitions to the
throne of grace, let us not forget to offer also anthems of thanksgiving.
“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me” (
Psalm 50:23
). As long as our
Saviour lives we have cause for unceasing gratitude and praise.—
The
Review and Herald, November 1, 1881
. (
Selected Messages 2:268,
269
.)
Turn From Uncontrollable Grief (counsel to a bereaved fam-
ily)—Like Job, you felt that you had cause for grief and would not
be comforted. Was this reasonable? You know that death is a power
that none can resist, but you have made your lives nearly useless by
your unavailing grief. Your feelings have been little less than rebellion