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When we see a person laughing and “having a good time,” we just naturally assume that he is genuinely happy. That is not necessarily the case. A loud laugh or an empty joke is the covering many people use to conceal an aching heart.

One day a man visited his doctor complaining of such overwhelming depression that life was unbearable. The doctor examined him and, finding nothing that would indicate a physical problem, he advised him that what he needed was some lively amusement. “Try a funny novel,” the doctor suggested. The patient just shook his head, indicating his doubt that a humorous novel was the answer to his unhappiness and deep depression.

The doctor thought a moment longer and then said, “Well, I’ll tell you what might cheer you up. Go to a theater and watch an amusing movie. That might be just what you need.” Again, a turn of the head indicated that the man did not feel this advice would be of any help either.

“Well,” said the doctor, “I can only think of one other thing that might help you. The circus has just arrived in town and I understand there is a terrific clown act which is drawing crowds. If you still suffer from depression after attending his show, I will be surprised.”

To the doctor’s amazement, his patient’s reply in a tone of deep distress was, “I am that clown”!

The plight of that clown is the same as many today. Not only do they suffer overwhelming depression due to the circumstances, sorrows and strife of this sinful world, but the counsel received is mostly from those who have no remedy for such problems as theirs. Let’s turn to God, the Great Physician, and His Word for the diagnosis and prescription that can help.

The basic need of every person is to have his sins forgiven and to be brought into a relationship with his Creator. Do you suffer from guilt? You should, because “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23), making us all guilty before God. The way to remove this guilt is not by distracting ourselves or pretending it does not exist. Freedom from guilt is available from God, who in His rich mercy and great love has provided for complete forgiveness of our sins through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. On the cross of Calvary He died for sinners (Romans 5:8), and is now risen again (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).

Turn to Jesus Christ! He was “wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). His fee is “without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1). The prescription is simply “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). The results will be effective immediately. As soon as you trust Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, your sins will be pardoned forever, leaving you a conscience free from guilt. Your new eternal relationship with God will begin, giving you rest that can never be broken (Matthew 11:28-30), peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7), and “joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

Let the Lord Jesus Christ be the healer of your soul. Take His prescription by faith. His desire is that you might have “full” joy (John 15:11).

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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