The recent suicide of actor/comedian Robin Williams and the outpouring of sympathy that followed makes today’s devotional from Proverbs 14:13 a timely, provoking one.
Proverbs 14:13 – “Even in laughter [scorn; derision; making sport of] the heart is sorrowful [pained; grievous]; and the end [of that journey] of that mirth [pleasure] is heaviness [depression; sorrow].”
Solomon’s observation, though written 3,000 years ago and well before Comedy Clubs, Comedy Channels and 20th century vaudeville is illuminating. Like the stage mask worn by actors of old, laughter and comedy were the mask Robin Williams wore to hide the pain and sorrow in his soul.
Like a narcotic, the 21st century man pursues entertainment to feed a narcissistic appetite and fill an empty soul that cannot be satisfied apart from his Creator. His parties and laughter veil his sorrow and depression and the end of his journey is heaviness and despair.
I often refer you to the parable of the Prodigal Son in my daily devotions because he is so much like so many I know and have known.
Prodigals pursue pleasures and give little thought to tomorrow, while their Creator awaits the moment they may turn their heart from sin and say, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee” (Luke 15:18-19).
No matter how far he had strayed from his father’s counsel or how estranged he felt from his father’s love, the father was waiting…waiting for the hour his son would turn his heart toward home (Luke 15:22-24).
Some reading today’s devotional are spiritual prodigals who have endeavored to dull the void and fill the emptiness in their souls. They have turned to worldly philosophies, political causes, lustful pleasures, drugs, alcohol and religion—all to no avail. Stop running, my friend and turn…turn from your sin…the Savior is waiting.
Matthew 11:28 – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith