Dear Brothers and Sisters:
At such a time as this, some of us may be having to deal with sorrow.
I Never Learned Trust Till Sorrow
Until I learned to trust,
I never learned to pray;
And I did not learn to fully trust
Till sorrows came my way.
Until I felt my weakness,
His strength I never knew
Nor dreamed 'til I was stricken
That he could see me through.
Who deepest drinks of sorrow,
Drinks deepest, too, of grace;
He sends the storm so He himself
Can be our hiding place.
His heart, that seeks our highest good,
Knows well when things annoy;
We would not long for heaven
If earth held only joy.
—William G. Coltman
Queen Victoria was almost entirely dependent on the Prince Consort, Prince Albert. When Albert died all too young, Queen Victoria was grief-stricken for many years. All her sorrow was summed up by one of her words: "I have no one to call me Victoria now."
She had plenty of people to call her "Your Majesty," but no one left to do the little personal things which mean so much.
This shows how vitally meaningful are personal relationships.
H. G. Bosch tells us this story, “When I was a very young boy, a dear neighbor who lived two doors down the street experienced a great sorrow. She often played and sang at her piano, but after this tragedy struck in her life, the first song with which she would open her "daily concert" was the lovely hymn, "I Must Tell Jesus." The words made a deep impression upon me as a child.”
After dealing with grief from losing two sons, Ellen White wrote, “My eyes have been attracted to the heavens that shine in beauty above us; I have obtained glimpses of the eternal world and of the exceeding great reward. When all has seemed dark, there has been a rift in the clouds, and sunbeams from the throne have dispersed the gloom. God would not have any of us remain pressed down by dumb sorrow, with sore and breaking hearts. He would have us look up to catch the rainbow of promise, and reflect light to others. Oh, the blessed Saviour stands by many whose eyes are so blinded by tears that they do not discern Him. He longs to clasp our hands firmly, while we cling to Him in simple faith, imploring Him to guide us. It is our privilege to rejoice in God. If we will let the comfort and peace of Jesus into our lives, we shall be kept close to His great heart of love.--The Review and Herald, Nov. 25, 1884.” {Selected Messages, 2:257, 258}
“The Comforter is ours as well as theirs, at all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing and we feel helpless and alone. These are times when the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith.” {That I May Know Him, 171}
“Then Jesus looked upon His redeemed saints; their countenances were radiant with glory; and as He fixed His loving eyes upon them, He said, with His rich, musical voice, "I behold the travail of My soul, and am satisfied. This rich glory is yours to enjoy eternally. Your sorrows are ended. There shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." I saw the redeemed host bow and cast their glittering crowns at the feet of Jesus, and then, as His lovely hand raised them up, they touched their golden harps and filled all heaven with their rich music and songs to the Lamb.” {Early Writings, 288, 289}
“Walk not in the shadow of the cross. Do not give expression to weeping, lamentation, and woe; but encourage your soul to hope and joy. The cross points upward to a living Saviour, who is your advocate, and is pleading in your behalf. . . . When you are deeply shadowed it is because Satan has interposed himself between you and the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness. . . .” {In Heavenly Places, 52}
“Those who have borne the greatest sorrows are frequently the ones who carry the greatest comfort to others, bringing sunshine wherever they go. Such ones have been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions; they did not lose confidence in God when trouble assailed them, but clung closer to His protecting love. Such ones are a living proof of the tender care of God, who makes the darkness as well as the light, and chastens us for our good. Christ is the light of the world; in Him is no darkness. Precious light! Let us live in that light! Bid adieu to sadness and repining. Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.-- Health Reformer, vol. 12, No. 10, October, 1877.” {Selected Messages, 2:274}
“It is a mistake to entertain the thought that God is pleased to see His children suffer. All heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures. The divine requirements call upon us to shun those indulgences that would bring suffering and disappointment, that would close to us the door of happiness and heaven. The world’s Redeemer accepts men as they are, with all their wants, imperfections, and weaknesses; and He will not only cleanse from sin and grant redemption through His blood, but will satisfy the heart-longing of all who consent to wear His yoke, to bear His burden.” {Steps to Christ, 46, 47}
An now from God’s Word:
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. (Exodus 3:7-10 KJV)
Y dijo Jehová: Bien he visto la aflicción de mi pueblo que está en Egipto, y he oído su clamor á causa de sus exactores; pues tengo conocidas sus angustias: Y he descendido para librarlos de mano de los Egipcios, y sacarlos de aquella tierra á una tierra buena y ancha, á tierra que fluye leche y miel, á los lugares del Cananeo, del Hetheo, del Amorrheo, del Pherezeo, del Heveo, y del Jebuseo. El clamor, pues, de los hijos de Israel ha venido delante de mí, y también he visto la opresión con que los Egipcios los oprimen. Ven por tanto ahora, y enviarte he á Faraón, para que saques á mi pueblo, los hijos de Israel, de Egipto. (Exodo 3:7-10 SRV)
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:10 KJV)
Y los redimidos de Jehová volverán, y vendrán á Sión con alegría; y gozo perpetuo será sobre sus cabezas: y retendrán el gozo y alegría, y huirá la tristeza y el gemido. (Isaías 35:10 SRV)
These painfully troubling times will soon be behind us. Great things still await us, in this life and especially in the life to come. Let us stay faithful!
Pastor Richard Parent