What a delusion to think that laughter and noisy merriment bespeak a happy heart! A loud laugh or an empty joke is often used as a cover-up for deep sorrow and anguish of spirit.
He was indeed a sad-looking man who was ushered in to consult a noted doctor about his health. He complained that he suffered from overwhelming depression, that his life was unbearable. The doctor examined him and then remarked that he needed some lively amusement to divert his thoughts from himself. "Try a good novel—that would be about the best medicine you could take," he said.
The man shook his head, as if doubtful of the prescription. Then the doctor said again; "Well, I'll tell you what to do to cheer yourself up! Go to the Vaudeville theater, and see what that will do for you.”
Still a turn of the head showed that the patient had no confidence in this proposal helping him either.
“Well," said the doctor, "I can think of only one other thing or person who would help you. If that does not do it, I am completely at a loss. Go and see that great clown that has lately arrived. He is drawing tremendous crowds with his jokes and antics. If you suffer from depression after hearing and watching him I shall be surprised.”
“Ah," said the poor man at once, in a tone of deepest distress, "I am that clown.”
Many have tried these same prescriptions, but eventually they learn how fleeting are the pleasures of this world. But Jesus says, "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"—REST, eternal rest, dearly purchased for you. He now offers it freely to you.
Consider well your eternal destiny, you who would be content with "the pleasures of sin for a season." Find your refuge and satisfaction in the precious love of Jesus before the thunder-cloud of judgment sweeps over your sky of life-sin now, death soon, and judgment forever. To die Christless means to be turned into hell with the wicked, those who forget God.