Proverbs 17:22: ”A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.“
A cheerful (joyful) heart does not depend on how much we make or how tired we are from working. It also does not depend on how comfortable and luxurious our lives are or even when we are problem-free. A joyful heart is a matter of our attitude and it is a choice.
We can rejoice or we can also feel down and complain. We can still rejoice in the midst of difficulties, or we can continue to feel dissatisfied and restless even when our lives are actually fine. All of this depends on our attitude in responding to life and enjoying it.
The Psalmist says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” This verse clearly says that joyfulness from the heart does good and it can even function as medicine. On the other hand, bitterness and heartache can be poisonous to our lives.
It is true that the pressures of life are often difficult to face. Various burdens will try to steal our joy and we start to feel down, depressed, anxious, afraid and stressed. Focusing on our shortcomings/weaknesses and not seeing our strengths and blessings could also make us lose our joy; it can even result in illnesses.
So, how can we have a joyful heart? First, choose to still be joyful no matter what happens to us. True joy does not depend on what happens to us because that joy comes from the Lord. Nehemiah 8:10b says, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Second, rejoice because we have a God who truly loves us. Believe that the Lord takes control over our lives and He will always be with us during our difficult times. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
Happiness or joy that comes from the Lord will enable us to enjoy life, and the blessings of the Lord will be poured out upon us.
The choice is in our hands. If we choose to rejoice everyday, then we will have the good and positive advantages. Let us choose what is best because the Lord Jesus loves us and has the control over our lives. God bless.
Publishing Team, IBC Church