p. 11 | Rejoicing in Affliction by B. H. Welch

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Aug 8, 1907

Rejoicing in Affliction

By B. H. Welch

B. H. WELCH

IN 1 Thess. 5:18 the apostle Paul uses these very comprehensive words: “In everything give thanks.” He does not say this as giving his own opinion simply, neither does he leave it indefinite as to the persons concerning whom he is speaking; for he says, “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

True gratitude to God is what we need. We can not give what we do not possess. We can not do effectual service as workers in God’s vineyard without it. We need it, to inspire in others new courage when in trial—not only in times when life is joyous and happy, but in the hour of trial. When weighed down by sorrow and trouble, when nearly crushed under the load, even then, he says to us, “Give thanks.” It is quite natural and easy to be happy when surrounded with pleasant associations in a home of plenty; but when losses come, and we are left destitute, and in trouble, or when sickness or death enters the once-pleasant home, and we are left alone in the world without home or earthly friend, what thankfulness can we have at such a time as that? The apostle makes no reserve. He says: “In everything give thanks.” It includes the very worst condition in which one can be placed.

The apostle James expresses the same thought in other words: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Chap. 1:2.

We may not at the time see how such trials may work for our good, but he who sees the end from the beginning, he who weighs every motive, every desire, and every sigh and heartache, says: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” May we not even then be thankful that we have such a friend who can help us in every time of need? He knows just what we can bear, and will give us help to bear it, and will cause that even the trial shall make brighter the crown of glory. 2 Cor. 4:17.

Notice the precious words of the prophet: “Thus saith the Lord that created thee, . . . Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” He first calls attention to his great power and wisdom as Creator, and to his infinite love and mercy as Redeemer. He gives these facts as a reason that we need not fear. This is in harmony with the words of Christ: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” His heart of love seems desirous of imbuing us with a deeper sense of love and gratitude and confidence in him, for unless we learn this lesson, we can not inherit eternal life.

In the following gracious words he continues to inspire us with his love: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One, thy Saviour.”

These promises have been literally fulfilled in the past. The three worthies in the fiery furnace came out without the smell of fire upon them. It was the power and love of God that held those gigantic walls of water on either side of the hosts of Israel when they passed through the Red Sea. It was infinite love for you and me that brought the King of glory from his shining courts above, that led him to give up his beautiful home, the sweet communion with his Father and with holy angels, and to give himself into the hands of the powers of evil to be spit upon and mocked, and finally to suffer the most cruel death that demons and wicked men could inflict. What was it all for? — It was that you and I, while yet rebels against his government, alienated from him, sinners by nature, subject to death, without God and without hope, might be brought back to share with him that beautiful home, with all the glory and happiness an infinite Creator can give.

Let us, in the language of the apostle, “behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” Let us give our hearts to him. Do we fear that when opposition, or the scoffs and sneers of the world come, we shall not be able to stand? He says, “Fear not; . . . for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Again Jesus says, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom;” and again, “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

Jesus stands at the door of your heart knocking. Will you not open the door and invite him in? He will fill you with praise and gratitude, and your voice will be tuned to sing his praise and talk of his goodness, both now and in eternal ages.

Let us each heed well the admonition to behold his love, and then the desired result will follow, as expressed in 2 Cor. 3:18: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image.” We behold Jesus by studying and meditating upon his character. Let us do this, and become heirs to an immortal crown of glory.

Washington, D. C.