A young immigrant from Yugoslavia, with skillfully dancing feet but heavy heart, entertained the pleasure-mad crowds in Hollywood, California. He could entertain the crowd, but could not satisfy his own heart. As he grew into manhood, he tried to find satisfaction in a round of gaiety, but in vain. All only proved the truth of the words of Solomon: "All is vanity and vexation of spirit." Eccles. 1:1414I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
An actor with whom he had worked had seen the young fellow's dissatisfied air and had given him a Bible. It was at once diligently read, and his memory went back to childhood days. He remembered his old grandmother in Yugoslavia secretly reading a Bible which had been given to her. She had taught him that it was God's Word and ought to be heeded. Day after day he read a portion, groping in spiritual darkness and longing for the light to stream in.
One day he saw in a paper, an announcement of evening Bible classes. He at once enrolled, but somehow was never questioned as to his own spiritual condition. No one knew or guessed the anguished longing of his soul.
He heard for the first time in his life the sweet gospel story, and it wonderfully soothed his troubled spirit. It was the dawning of a new day for the Hollywood dancer.
A few weeks later all the Bible class, the day students as well as the evening class, were invited to have dinner together. Someone then started a hymn in which all joined:
"What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer."
The arrow found its mark. The young Hollywood entertainer covered his face with his hands and silently and earnestly prayed: "Oh, my God, help me to find that friend."
Has He ever refused to hear such a cry? Never. "He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:99For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalm 107:9).
That very night another young man asked him to go with him to some meetings where the gospel was preached. There, in simple faith, he believed and accepted the work which Christ had accomplished on the cross for him, and was wonderfully saved.
His joy in believing was overwhelming. He had danced for a Hollywood audience for the last time. No longer would he enjoy "the pleasures of sin for a season," nor contribute to such fleeting enjoyment for others. Why? He had found "something more than gold," and his heart was filled with love to Him whose favor is more to be desired than much fine gold.
Perhaps you who read this have tried the world only to find like this young man how unsatisfying its pleasures are. Will you not turn to that blessed Savior who said: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"? Matthew 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).