The primary reason why many believers are not cheerful is because of doubt and unbelief. What a contradiction! By manifesting an attitude of unbelief, we are inadvertently calling God a liar. But God cannot lie; His words must surely come to pass, therefore let us rejoice and be glad in Him always. Beloved, be fully persuaded that, what the Lord has promised, He is also able to perform. 

The word of God declares that Abraham was fully persuaded that, what God had promised, He was able also to perform it. Although the promised Isaac did not come until after twenty-five years of waiting, Abraham overcame the temptation to stagger at the promise of God. He was strong in faith. He trusted the faithfulness of God who cannot lie but does whatever He promises.

The Bible warns us against covetousness but admonishes us to earnestly covet the best spiritual gifts. The value of the soul of a man is not measured by the abundance of his material possessions. What shall it profit you if your pocket is full and your heart is empty of God? Everyone who labours to enrich himself with the material things of this life at the expense of his impoverished soul can best be described as a fool.

The joy derived from the pleasures of sin is transient, yet many are being deceived to go for it instead of the eternal joy that comes with righteousness. Moses made an unpopular choice, although he knew it would cost him the throne of Egypt. Moses counted the cost of accepting to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter: although it would guarantee temporal enjoyment, the door of heaven would be shut against him. What is persecution (suffering for Christ on earth) compared to eternal suffering in hell fire?

The rich young ruler was a good man who observed the ten commandments from his youth but it is sad to discover that he was not good enough for heaven. He was disqualified, because according to Jesus, he lacked one thing: he had no power over his material possessions. He failed the test to deny himself, take up his cross and follow the Lord. Although he was a good man, he was not saved.