Dec 22 2021

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Medicine can heal our physical body, but it can't heal our soul. So, it's interesting that this afternoon's verse says a "merry heart doeth good like a medicine."

Laughter and joy can bring healing to our hearts. In contrast, the next portion of the verse says, "a broken spirit drieth the bones." That means when our soul is suffering, it affects our whole being deeply, down to our very bones.

How we feel on the inside is often reflected in our countenance. If we allow negative attitudes to consume our hearts and minds, then it has the potential to steal our smile. Although a happy face is not always an indication of what is happening in our hearts, a frown almost always is a direct link to our emotions. We know that whenever we are weak, God can show His strength.

When our heart overflows with happiness, it is contagious to those around us. Joy can bring healing. And there are so many people who desperately need someone to share joy with them. God can use our lives to carry His joy to others.

When our spirit is crushed, and we can barely hold our heads up, we need the love and healing of Jesus that is expressed in the lives of others. That's one of the reasons it is so important to have people who will encourage us when we are struggling. Through faith and prayer, God can restore our joy and renew our minds.

Lord, there are times when I allow situations in life to steal my joy. I confess that I let things affect my emotions when I should be trusting you. I know that real happiness can only come from you. Please bring healing to the dry places in my life. Let my smile reflect the change that has taken place in my life since I have known you. Help me to enjoy the life that you have given to me. You are all I need to be fulfilled. Fill me with your love and grace. In Jesus' name, amen.

Dec 21 2021

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.:

Beauty is all around us. We can see it in God's creation and throughout moments in our lives. Just like in nature, seasons in our lives come and go. Nothing ever lasts.

Seasons of joy are often followed by mourning and loss. But after living through seasons of pain, we may feel like dancing. We will experience highs and lows, but in every season, God is always there. We can have peace when we go through tough times because they are only temporary.

It takes time for everything to become beautiful. A small seed can grow into an amazing, colorful flower. Then, it dies. But another bud grows and blooms, and beauty is created again. It's how God created everything to function. It's His design and plan for nature.

In our lives, we can see that same pattern over and over. We can choose to look forward to the beauty that is coming in the days ahead, or we can allow ourselves to become distracted by the hardships we currently see all around us. Our perspective should be influenced by what we know about who God is and what He does. He works all things together for our good. He is faithful and just. His motives are pure and holy.

God has mercy and love for us. When we wonder how we will make it through a particular season, we can depend on the character of God that is described in the Bible. We know that we can trust God in every season of life.

Father, I am grateful for every season in life. You have made all things beautiful in your time. In the seasons when I am struggling, I know it won't last forever—it's only temporary. When everything is going well, I can enjoy the blessings in my life. Help me to celebrate every season because I know you are teaching me to trust you more. When doubt enters my mind, please cause faith to rise within me. I choose to place my eyes on you in every season. Give me an eternal perspective to see things like you do. In Jesus' name, amen.
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