To Tell the Truth… Day 69 – Wanted: A Joyful Heart – 6/22/20

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.”
Proverbs 15:13

Dr. John A. Schindler wrote a book back in 1954 entitled, “How to Live 365 Days a year.” In it he discusses a sickness he refers to as E.E.I. It stands for ’emotionally-induced illness.’ He talks about the powerful impact our emotions have on the totality of our being, specifically negative emotions. What he didn’t realize is that this was already written about in the Word of God.

The scripture reveals that a heavy heart Burdens the Soul. In Proverbs 12:25a Solomon wrote, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down.” This is why we sing the song, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” Not only does it burden the soul but it Breaks the Spirit. Proverbs 15:13b says, “But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” Have you ever seen a person with a broken spirit? When the light goes out of their eyes, and there is nothing left but the shell of a person. A heavy heart burdens the soul, it breaks the spirit, and it Buries the Body. In Proverbs 17:22b says, “But a broken spirit dries the bones.” It has a direct impact on our physical body. It is not always the hardening of the arteries we have to be concerned about, but rather the hardening of the attitudes. They dry the bones.

What we need is some G.M.M. – God’s Miracle Medicine. Proverbs 15:13a says, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face.” Proverbs 15:15b says, “A cheerful heart has a continuous feast.” Proverbs 17:22a says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” What we need is a good tablespoon of this ‘good medicine’ every morning. Where do we get it? It can’ be gotten, because it is given. Jesus said, “My joy I give to you.” The more personal time you and I spend in the presence of the Lord, entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; the more of His joy will fill our hearts. Nehemiah wrote, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” The Lord’s joy is indeed strong medicine.

Preacher Stan