Practice Being Cheerful

Scientific evidence suggests that being cheerful seems to have positive benefits on our over-all health.  There are studies that suggest being cheerful and optimistic limits stress, reduces pain, supports our immune system, and even helps to protect our heart.  Is it any wonder that long before there were tests to prove it, the Bible already had this important information available?

A cheerful heart makes you healthy.  But a broken spirit dries you up. Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.  (Proverbs 17:22 NIRV, Proverbs 12:25 MSG)

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.  All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.  (Proverbs 15:13, 15 NIV)

We tend to be creative and solve problems more quickly when we are happy and optimistic rather than when we are living in fear and worry, supposing the problems before us to be bigger than God’s ability to make a way through for us.  God does not want us to pretend that problems don’t exist.  Denial didn’t fix our problems with addiction, and it won’t solve the challenges we face in recovery.  Our part is to pray often, work hard, and trust God in all circumstances.  When we do, God’s promise is that He will surely be with us. 

Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure.   (2 Corinthians 13:11 MSG)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Help me to live with joy in my heart and be cheerful no matter what challenges I face.  I receive Your comfort and encouragement as I face problems head-on rather than avoiding or denying them.  I trust You are with me and will make a way forward for me as You’ve done so many times in the past.  Thank you for caring for me. Amen

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