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Practical Wisdom Practice Being Cheerful

Friday April 28, 2023

 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) 

Studies have shown that those who live with joy and cheerfulness are better positioned to fight off seasonal bugs like cold and flu.  Older people who reported feeling happy lived longer than those who were least happy.  This should motivate us to be thankful for who we are, and to choose to be cheerful today.

 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 more creative and to solve problems better when we are happy and optimistic rather than living in fear and worry, supposing the problems before us are 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 faithful promise is that he will be with us always. 

 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 ask for Your wisdom as I choose to do the right thing and face my problems head-on rather than avoiding or denying them.  I trust that You will help and strengthen me as I move forward.  Thank You for Your unfailing love and care for me. Amen

 

 

©2023 Partners in Hope 

More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

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