Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord

There is no spiritual value in depression. one bright and thankful look at the cross is worth a thousand morbid, self-condemning reflections. The longer you look at the evil the more it defiles and mesmerizes you into its own likeness. Lay it down at the cross, accept the cleansing blood, reckon yourself dead to the thing that was wrong, then rise up and count yourself as if you were another man or woman. Identifying yourself with the Lord Jesus, you may then accept your standing in Him and look in your Father's face as blameless as Jesus. Then out of your every fault will come some lesson of watchfulness or some secret of victory that will enable you some day to thank Him, even for your e painful experiences. But praise is a sacrifice for it is acceptable to God. It ascends to heaven sweeter than the songs angels, a sweet smelling savour (Ephesians 5:2) to your Lord. It should be the sacrifice of praise to God continually (Hebrews 13:15). one drop of poison will make the whole cup a cup of death, one moment of gloom will defile a whole day of sunshine. Let us rejoice evermore (1 Thessalonians 5:16).