Alas, how easily things go wrong! A sigh too much, a kiss too long And there follows a mist and a weeping rain And life is never the same again
George MacdonaldRead
It is the heart that is not sure of its God that is afraid to laugh in His presence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Doubt in one's faith leads to fear in expressing joy in divine presence.
This quote highlights the importance of faith and certainty in one's relationship with God. A heart that questions or is unsure about its connection with the divine may feel hesitant or fearful to express joy and laughter in God's presence, suggesting that confidence in faith allows for a more open and joyous experience of spirituality.
Themes
FaithJoyGodDoubtLaughter
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about faith, one might use this quote to illustrate the joy found in a strong belief in God.
More from George Macdonald
All quotes βIt is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
George MacdonaldRead
He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition.
George MacdonaldRead
When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
George MacdonaldRead
But words are vain; reject them allβ They utter but a feeble part: Hear thou the depths from which they call, The voiceless longing of my heart.
George MacdonaldRead
Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacdonaldRead
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