THE BRIGHT SIDE by Martha D. Amadon

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 3, 1862

THE BRIGHT SIDE.

By Martha D. Amadon

THERE is a bright side for every Christian traveler. Whatever circumstances surround him, there is a bright side. We have examples of this all through the Bible. Job in affliction could say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord!" Praise to God has ascended from the fiery furnace, the lions' den, dungeons, and prison houses.

The lives of good men in all ages attest this simple fact true; and can the Christian now feel that the clouds hang so fearfully around that they shut away the light of heaven?

The question often comes to our heart, How may we find the bright side? But if holy men and women of old could find it, may not those to whom it has been said, "When ye see these things then lift up your heads and look up, for your redemption draweth nigh?" Is not this the bright side to this world's dark picture of sin and woe?

Let cares and perplexities come till the spirit is well nigh overwhelmed, yet here is an anchor which will bide every stormy deluge of care.

Friends may prove untrue, and foes oppress, till, like David, we feel that no man cares for our soul; yet that Friend that sticketh closer than a brother will appear to our joy, and they shall be ashamed. Is there not light shining around the coming of the Lord for every way-worn pilgrim?

But often we get our eyes from the bright side. How may we steadily keep them there? Draw still nearer to God. Let every trial drive us there. Pray and agonize, if need be. Prayer! What is it? A soul breathing out after God. Not simply a round of words, smooth and formal; but pray like Jacob, Moses, Solomon, David, Daniel, and, best example of all, the Saviour, when,

"Cold mountains and the midnight air

Witnessed the fervor of his prayer."

Could we have heard that prayer as he plead with his Father! Imagine him on the mountain pleading with him who, he said, he knew heard him always—praying for his disciples, that those few who had believed on him might not be overcome. Precious were those hours the Saviour thus employed. And it is written for us, Cast thy burden upon the Lord. Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

No Christian desires the smooth, easy path of the worldling; but his delight is to labor for his Master in heaven. Not to win an earthly crown, but that it may be said to him at last, "Well done."

There are dark seasons for every pilgrim in this world, but such only increase the light when Heaven sees fit to let it beam upon our path. There are sacrifices which draw upon the heart strings; but as another expresses it, "their fragrance is as incense before God."

And soon the day will dawn, and the morning star arise, which will usher in the day of everlasting rest. But who of us will share that rest and joy? Shall I be conqueror then? Am I conqueror now in the daily battles I meet? Will Jesus say to me, "Well done?" Will he place upon my head a crown of victory with his own right hand? Will God wipe away the cause of all my tears? If I am faithful and overcome; and this is possible. There may be seasons of blessedness here, which will smooth life's toils, that we can set up as way-marks to heaven, and know that we are traveling thither.

By His grace who once overcame and prepared the way for me, I mean to be there, and enjoy forever the bright side.

MARTHA D. AMADON.