Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
I awoke at 1:10 am one day a few weeks ago by the sound of a bird singing outside. As I opened my eyes, saw how dark it was outside, and felt fatigue in my body, I knew this was a strange occurrence and that sunrise was still a long way off. Then, I rolled over, saw the time, and began to consider the situation.
In the darkest of night, when the night creatures rule, a little bird of the day brought forth a joyful song. I was reminded of the lyrics of a hymn called “How can I keep from singing:”
1 My life flows on in endless song,
above earth’s lamentation.
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Love is lord of heav’n and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
2 Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing? [Refrain]
3 What though my joys and comforts die,
I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. [Refrain]
4 The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing? [Refrain]
I considered and prayed how I desired to be like this little bird. When enveloped by darkness and difficulty, I desire to have a heart of praise, always rejoicing and giving thanks in all circumstances.1 When pressed, shaken, and stirred, I desire to be as the light of a city on a hill and a candle that shines forth for others to see.2
None of this is possible by my own efforts of course, but through a full surrender to Jesus Christ and the taking on of His yoke,3 that I may learn of Him who shines the brightest of all. It is in the fullest of surrender that the life of Christ shines brightest as a light in the life of a man.4
That bird singing in the night reminded me of how our Savior endured the cross and great hostility for the joy that was set before Him,5 and how we are to count it all joy when trials come upon us that will test our faith and build our character.6
So, let us rejoice brothers and sisters, though seasons of heaviness may come upon us, that our faith might be found unto praise, honor, and glory at the appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.7
“We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change, some were left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships.” RH January 12, 1869, par. 6
Beautiful. Paul and Cyrus sang in the captivity of prison. Acts 16:25 says it was at midnight, the darkest hour, when any hope of light was still a long way off. They prayed and sang praises unto Jehovah, they sang loud enough for the other captives to hear. Their praise to Jehovah in this moment, along with a manifestation of the power of God, brought deliverance to them and repentance to their captor.
“We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change, some were left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships.” RH January 12, 1869, par. 6
Beautiful. Paul and Cyrus sang in the captivity of prison. Acts 16:25 says it was at midnight, the darkest hour, when any hope of light was still a long way off. They prayed and sang praises unto Jehovah, they sang loud enough for the other captives to hear. Their praise to Jehovah in this moment, along with a manifestation of the power of God, brought deliverance to them and repentance to their captor.