A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones.

Proverbs 17:22

Most of us likely have a medicine cabinet filled with medications, so why does this Old Testament wise man, King Solomon, propose that we get one more medicine?

Because he is wise as he compares a joyful heart to a crushed spirit. He prescribes that we experience life with a joyful heart. The New Testament follower of Jesus, Paul, gives the Philippians and us the reason we can have a joyful heart: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” In all things we rejoice. Why? Because we are forgiven! Because we are confident of God’s eternal plan for us! We love, because Christ first loved us! If you are experiencing a crushed spirit, pray for a joyful heart. Then practice it, one experience at a time. It might become contagious!

Dave Ebeling
Bloomington, IN

Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts, which we receive from Thy bountiful goodness. Then let me go forth with joy in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflect: Live joyfully, smile, or initiate a conversation with a lonely person. Do it with joy!

Read: Psalm 8 and Philippians 4