“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken…All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast…A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 15:13, 15; 17:22).
Far superior to a seasonal greeting of “Merry Christmas” is the daily possession of a merry heart. Under consideration here is not a pretentious smile and the superficial appearance of perpetual happiness. Rather, it is the visible expression of a heart which is overflowing with gratitude for God’s providence and goodness. Such a heart has cultivated the habit of frequent reflection upon God’s care and loving kindness.
When God’s incredible providence of eternal and daily blessings is appreciated,
- You will have a cheerful countenance. A heart which rejoices in the Lord (Phil. 4:4) will be unable to hide that fact from its face.
- You will have an excellent buffer from the endless roller coaster of pursuing “happiness”. Many choose to tie their state of mind to their ever-fluctuating circumstances. Therefore, when their circumstances are difficult, they are unhappy. Their state of mind is perpetually tossed by the waves of life. People with this approach to life do not sing when in prison (see Acts 16:25); they are forever prisoners to their circumstances.
- You will be a dose of good cheer to others. People will enjoy having you around and will appreciate when you visit with them. Your presence will deliver a dose of medicine no doctor can prescribe.
Cultivate and have a merry heart.
