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"What's got you so cheerful?"

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22)
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When I was a child, we had neighbors all around us who enjoyed getting together on weekends. We always had a great time! The grown-ups barbecued, played Canasta (an odd card game), and our dads talked about their jobs and bosses. Our moms always talked about us kids; the bargains they found at the grocery store; coupons; and their families – we laughed, and joked with each other, and generally had a wonderful time – it was a simpler time back when I was a kid.

I still remember Mr. Baker who lived next door being what I thought was a grumpy old man. I’m sure he was a good man; he probably had a lot of responsibilities, but I don’t remember him ever being in a good mood. He sat among the other adults not having much to say or contribute to the group, and he was quick to snap at us kids if we got too close to him. I’m thinking he must have been miserable all the time. I recall some of the other adults would say to him, “John, lighten up, you’re getting us all depressed!” He would just twist around in his lawn chair, kind of smirk, mumble something and take another sip of the beer in his hand.

Our moods and our dispositions have a tremendous effect on those around us. How we relate to our families, our co-workers, and our neighbors can either bring us and them up or take us down. We all have our own little problems and our difficult situations we’re dealing with. But, if we don’t try to snap out of our moodiness our oppressive, gray cloud will eventually descend all around us and those whom we love. God has provided us wonderful wisdom regarding the good health and disposition He intends for us in His Word.

The Scripture above reveals there is real medicine in being cheerful. Our bodies need us to tell them they are okay; things are getting better; we’re going to be fine if we trust in God. When the men in the boat with Jesus were frightened at the tumultuous seas threatening to capsize their boat Jesus stood up and questioned their faith. Speaking to the angry sea he said; “Peace, be still” and it became still! God wants us to do the same, to have faith in Him and speak to our own angry sea.

Today, will you join me and take a couple of spoonsful of His good medicine? Together, let's try to be (cheerful) witnesses to Christ, and to everyone we meet. See how I am standing up straight now? See me smiling and doing my best for Him, to be His “light unto the world?” Go ahead, you try it! It's good to see you being so cheerful! 

Be blessed, my friend this day, and always.

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