One of the greatest turning points in my life and faith was when I realized I don’t have to live a life of reactions: meaning when I speak and my words are favorably received, I’m happy; but when not, my smile quickly disappears.
No longer need I let people and circumstances dictate the inner joy of my heart, leaving me wounded by someone’s words or actions, or down because it’s raining again.
I can cultivate a cheerful heart.
Now maybe you’re thinking, “Life is hard right now. How can I possibly have a cheerful heart in these circumstances?”
Jesus tells us in this present life we will have trouble:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
But because He has overcome the world, we can be of good cheer. Even in the midst of great difficulty or sorrow, beneath the pain there is peace, because the Lord is present. I can experience deep-seated joy, because Jesus is my strength, and in Him, there is always hope.
In Him, my heart can be cheerful.
Other scriptures talk about the benefits of a cheerful or merry heart:
A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (Proverbs 15:13)
But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
Singing, praising God, and giving thanks lend themselves to a cheerful heart.
Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:19-20)
When your heart needs hope, and needs to find its happy place—its merry place—try this:
Sing when you feel terrible.
Praise God in the midst of your difficulties.
Give thanks when you don’t feel like it.
Soon you’ll be smiling, encouraged by His ever-abiding presence and the peace and hope only He can give.
You will find yourself with a cheerful heart!
Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton
This is so true. Thanks, Cheryl, for this positive encouragement!
Glad you found it encouraging. Thanks Sarah!
Well said! With Christ, we truly can have cheer even in the midst of difficult times. Great encouragement!
Glad you found it encouraging. Thanks Rich!
So very true, and not allowing Jesus to be your “heart monitor” can lead to all kinds of illnesses and depression.
Thanks Mary! Jesus is our strength, and just knowing that brings joy to our hearts.
So simple and so powerful!
As someone once said,”The things of God are simple, although not always easy” – the latter being because we get in the way!