Ten Commandments Part II - Trading Laughter and Joy

“Let your laughter become mourning and your joy become sadness.” James 4:9(b)

Today we continue with the same line of James’ teaching as from the first part of verse 9 that we looked at in the previous devotion. He runs with the same idea here, and that is that sin, falling into it and committing it is no laughing matter. It is nothing to take joy in.

The instruction to be miserable and weep appears to be a curious command for a Christian until we realize that we are dealing with victorious living in the spiritual rather than the physical realm. Drawing near to God and maintaining fellowship with Him involves shunning all that is evil. Abhorring the things that dishonor God, hating the effects of wrongdoing is mourning over sin.

Lamenting over sin must not be confused with wallowing in the wretchedness of our sin in order to 'justify' ourselves in the eyes of God. Confessing to sin and grieving over our sin and the devastation it brings is the responsibility of all sinners. Weeping over sin is an important step in bringing a lost sinner into fellowship with Christ and the forgiveness of sin, through faith in Him.

Let us cleanse our hands, purify our hearts, and mourn over sin and the devastation it causes in our lives. May we praise and thank our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who died on the Cross to pay the price for our sin, so that by faith in Him we might be eternally forgiven and receive the promise of life everlasting.

In your moment of quietness, lift today’s prayer before the Lord.

Father God,

I think way too much of myself, sometimes choosing to do things that feel good physically instead of things that would be pleasing to you. I let my anger spew instead of letting your grace wash over my heart. I blame others for causing me to stumble instead of taking responsibility for my own actions and drawing closer to you.

Lord, I am flawed. I need you more than I can say. I pray that I will put my pride aside…this pride that keeps tripping me up. I pray that I will humble myself to you and your ways so that instead of pride in myself, I can boast in you!

In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen!