The Essence of Unhappiness, by James Smith, 1865

If our resources have blessed you, please share them.

Sin is the seed, source, and essence of unhappiness. “There is no peace to the wicked,” nor is there any happiness for the sinner in his sins.

The carnal mind may find something like pleasure in carnal things. But real, solid, lasting joy, cannot be found, never has been found by the sinner, until converted to God. Carnal pleasure is empty, fleeting, and unsatisfactory in its very nature.

The true Christian has enough to make him genuinely happy because all of his sins are forgiven and forgotten.

Therefore, he is a child of God and is:

adopted into God’s family.
justified before God.
clothed in the perfect righteousness of Jesus.
regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

A forgiven sinner has the Spirit of Adoption in his heart and is at peace with God, and God is at peace with him. And, all the promises of God are his, which represent Jehovah as pledged to support, sustain, comfort, supply, and bless him in time and eternity! God is with him, for him. and will never fail him in any trial, nor leave him under any circumstances for one moment.

Such is the Christian’s blessed state, and such are his blessed privileges. Although he may appear poor, afflicted, and despised among men.

We are happy in proportion as. . .

sin is subdued,
sanctification is deepened,
the Savior is prized,
our talents are laid out for the Lord’s glory.

However, if sin is allowed to conquer, if personal sanctification is neglected, if the intimations of the Holy Spirit are slighted–then the believer is not, and cannot be happy.

Therefore, let the Christian . . .

cleave unto the Lord with full purpose of heart,
cultivate close fellowship with God,
walk softly, uprightly, and daily with God–

so will his peace be like a river, and his path be like the shining light which shines more and more unto the perfect day.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You!” Isaiah 26:3

Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses: "Cloud of Witnesses" refers to those in Heaven who have run their races and are now with the Lord. Their words of wisdom are filled with faith, hope, love, and joy that warm our souls. Their words present the eternal truths of God that grow us and give us joy. And their words strengthen our souls, equip our minds, encourage our hearts, and empower us to stand firm in our faith and be motivated, ready, and willing to share the hope we have in Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith...(Hebrews 12:1-2)

If our resources have blessed you, please consider supporting our ministry work. Make a $60.00 (or more) donation, and you will receive our newest book, "MISINTERPRETED." The book explores misunderstood and misapplied Bible verses and passages. Thank you for any support you can give!

Quick, Safe,Easy

*******

Do You Know Jesus?

The Bible clearly states that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). It also emphasizes that while the wages of sin is death, God offers us the incredible gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, know that today is the day of salvation (Acts 28). Turn away from your sinful past and turn to Jesus. Remember, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Don’t wait—find hope and redemption!

If You Do NOT Know Jesus, Click NOW!

*******

A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

Subscribe & receive the Hidden Names of God in Psalm 23

Visit our YouTube Channel

>>Click here to get equipped with encouraging and empowering Biblical truth and wisdom from Reasons for Hope*Jesus.

2024's Top Ten "Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses"

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith. Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory. Their words equip and encourage us even to this day. Take a few minutes to hear...