It is simply a wrong conclusion to think that just because you see a person laughing and indulging in noisy merriment that he must be happy! A loud laugh or empty joke is often one of the coverings that people use to conceal an aching heart.
A man once went to consult a doctor about his health. He complained that he suffered from such overwhelming depression that his life was unbearable. The doctor examined him and after a while remarked that all he needed was some lively amusement to divert his thoughts from himself. "Try a funny novel--that would be about the best medicine you could take."
The man shook his head, as if doubtful of the prescription, and then the doctor said again, "Well, I'll tell you what to do to cheer yourself up. Go to a theater and see what that will do for you." Still a turn of the head showed the patient had no confidence in the proposal's ability to help him.
"Well," said the doctor, "I can only think of one other thing or person that would help you. If that does not do so, I am unable to help you any further. Go see that great clown that has arrived in town and is drawing such crowds with his show. If you still suffer from depression after hearing and watching him, I will be surprised."
Again the poor man shook his head and then in a tone of deep distress said, "I am that clown!"
The plight of that clown is the same as many today. Not only do they suffer the overwhelming depression due to the circumstances, sorrows and strife of this sinful world, but the counsel received is mostly from those who have no remedy for such ills as theirs. Let's turn to the Great Physician and His Word for the diagnosis and prescription that can help.
The basic need of man is to have his sins forgiven and to be brought into relationship with God. As a sinner--"All have sinned" (Romans 3:23)--man is alienated from God by nature and guilty before God by practice. God, however, in His rich mercy and great love, has provided for man's need through the precious blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, shed on the cross of Calvary. There He died for sinners (Romans 5:8), but is now risen again (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
"The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7); "Having made peace through the blood of His cross...to reconcile all things unto Himself" (Colossians 1:20). This is the effectual remedy for man's basic need.
Go to the "Great Physician"! He will take your case and heal your soul's diseases (Isaiah 53:5). The fee is "without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1). The prescription is simply "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21) to be your personal Saviour. The result will be effective immediately: your sins pardoned forever, leaving you a conscience free from guilt; also, the beginning of an eternal relationship with God as your Father. This, dear reader, will give you rest that can never be broken (Matthew 11:28-30), peace that passeth understanding (Philippians 4:7), and "joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8).
Let the Lord Jesus Christ be the Physician of your soul, and take His prescription in faith right now. His desire is that you might have "full" joy (John 15:11; 16:24).
