“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” - Isaiah 61:3

    The ultimate reason for mourning and the spirit of heaviness which we often experience is sin. I do not mean some specific sin, but just the existence and presence of sin within. It is the cause of sickness, pain, heartache, sorrow, death and countless other things. Heaviness means the darkness of despair and misery. Our Lord said to His disciples, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33).

    If sin is the essential reason for mourning and heaviness of spirit, what is the remedy? Relief is only to be found in the redeeming work of Christ and His exaltation to be the Sovereign over all things, including those which cause us to mourn and have heaviness of heart. O that the Holy Spirit would enable us to see that the blessed Redeemer has removed that which is the very root of all of our problems; “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).

    When the eye of faith beholds Him who made satisfaction to offended justice for our sins, when we see that Christ condemned sin when He gave His life a ransom for many, then sadness will be turned to joyfulness even in the midst of the difficulties and adversities of life. Let us be mindful that He whose blood washed us from our sins rules the world and makes all things work together for the good of His people (Romans 8:28). Herein lies the key to happiness and quietness of spirit in this world: “looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.”

    Child of God, would you face this new year with renewed confidence, cheerfulness and contentment? Believe the Word of God which declares that Christ has made an end of sins for all who believe Him and He governs the world for the welfare of His redeemed ones. God the Father is satisfied with the life, death and resurrection of your Savior and He has been exalted over all. You are made comely through His righteousness. Let every doubt and fear vanish; let joy fill your heart. Your acceptance has never been dependent upon you, but upon your Surety. Your standing before God is secure because you abide in Him forever.

    Will confidence in the Savior put an end to the troubles of life? Of course not! May we, however, understand that the troubles of life are being used of the Lord to cause us to look more fully to Him and find our joy and peace, not in the circumstances of life, but in our Savior and His providential care of His little ones.