The Grace of Cheerfulness by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 11, 1907

The Grace of Cheerfulness

By J. S. Washburn

J. S. WASHBURN

Joseph is one of the most wonderful characters in the Bible. Sold as a slave from a father who loved him, from a home where there was comfort and plenty, by his cheerful, willing service he became trusted with all in the house of Potiphar. Then, falsely accused, thrown into prison, his cheerful service wins him the head position in that prison. He brought comfort and light and good cheer to those who sat in desolation and darkness. God counted his cheerful service as worthy of the highest position in Egypt next to the throne.

How cheerful Jesus was, even in the forepart of the evening of the night of his betrayal. “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” And yet hanging over him was the awful shadow of the cross, and there was tightening upon him the cruel grip of Satan, the prince of darkness.

How cheerful was the apostle Paul—cast down, yet not forsaken; bearing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things. “But godliness with contentment

is great gain.” “Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.” “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” I Tim. 6:8; Phil. 4:11. “Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Prov. 17:22. “He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Prov. 15:15.

The world does not have that which brings cheerfulness and contentment. Even in the mirth of the world the heart is heavy. But a true Christian must be cheerful under every circumstance. If circumstances are not the pleasantest, our surest hope of bettering our condition is to accept cheerfully the situation in which we find ourselves; and, like Joseph, with a gracious, cheerful heart, do our utmost, and God will see also that our head is lifted up. He will surely say to us, ‘Come up higher.’ My brother, do you know that the very strongest recommendation that you can possibly have for a higher place, for a better position, is cheerful acceptance of your present situation, and the fulfilling of its duties gladly and without complaining?

O, in this world of cheerless gloom, what a blessing is a word of kindness, of hope, of light, a cheerful smile! My brother, my sister, you owe this to the world, to be cheerful, whatever your situation. Before you is eternal life, the blessed hope. Our Friend is with us alway, and we shall sit upon a higher throne than that of Joseph at the last. Be of good cheer.

Nashville, Tenn.