Faith - Joy

"This is Christian faith which gives peace to the heart, not when affliction is absent but when it is most severe - and this is the difference between earthly and heavenly peace. In the former case, if someone is suffering he does not have peace. But Christian peace embraces external discord: Poverty, death and persecution are present. But Christian peace does not feel those things within and the heart abounds with more joy when they are present than when they are not. This peace surpasses reason and understanding. This peace comforts a person and sets the troubled heart at rest. Amid these things the Christian has peace where others have discord. Where does this come from? From faith in Christ. For if I believe that by his resurrection he has conquered sin and death and that he abides with me so that I shall lack nothing then I cannot become timid. If death assails me I say 'Christ has risen and has conquered death.' If I'm poor I look at the wealth of Christ. And whatever other danger might confront me. The Christian turns his eyes to Christ. The second fruit follows: 'When they saw the Lord and he shows his hands and feet they were glad' The greatest joy is that Christ shows them his hands. Hitherto we have been shown only our own hands. It is through these fruits that we recognize whether there is a true Christian. If a Christian does not rejoice amid his troubles it is a certain sign that he is still worldly. We see scarcely one and many thousands who is able to rejoice amid afflictions and trials. This is what we sing in that truly Christian song 'Christ is Risen' that Christ rose not for his own sake but for ours. Therefore let us joyful be. If he had risen for himself why should I be joyful? Christ our comfort true will be and not anything else for he has conquered all evils." M. Luther.