One of the devotional books I read daily is Our Great Redeemer, a year’s worth of snippets from the sermons and writings of J.C. Ryle, compiled by Bryan Schrank. I recently came across this entry, which I found both convicting and encouraging. Hope you will, as well.

Believers, if you would have an increase in happiness in Christ’s service, labor every year to be more thankful. Pray that you may know more and more what it is to “rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1). Learn to have a deeper sense of your own wretched sinfulness and corruption and to be more deeply grateful that by the grace of God you are what you are.

Alas, there is too much complaining and too little thanksgiving among the people of God! There is too much murmuring and coveting things we have not. There is too little praising and blessing  for the many undeserved mercies that we have.

Oh, that God would pour out upon us a great spirit of thankfulness and praise!

Believers, if you would have an increase of happiness in Christ’s service, labor every day to do more good. Look around the circle in which your lot is cast and lay yourself out to be useful. Strive to be of the same character with God; He is not only good, but “does good” (Psalm 119:68)

Alas, there is far too much selfishness among believers in the present day! [Note: Ryle died in AD 1900!] There is far too much lazy sitting by the fire nursing our own spiritual diseases and croaking over the state of our own hearts!

Up, and be useful in your day and generation!

Is there no one that you can speak to? Is there no one that you can write to? Is there literally nothing you can do for the glory of God and the benefit of your fellow men?

Oh, I cannot think it! I cannot think it.There is much that you might do if you had only the desire. For your own happiness’ sake, rise and do it, without delay.

The bold, outspoken, working Christians are always the happiest!