April 25

Cultivating Cheerfulness

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. — Prov 17:22 BSB

Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. — 1 Thess 5:16-17 BSB

A happy and cheerful heart is something that must be cultivated. We cannot afford to surrender entirely to our moods. There are times when, for no specific reason, we feel downcast and sad—a mood that simply comes over us! In such times, we must anoint our heads and wash our faces, refusing to be consumed by fretfulness or to impose our gloom on others (Matthew 6:16-18). Nothing is worse than being a wet blanket!

On the other hand, it can be just as trying to be around someone who constantly turns every situation into a joke. While a sense of humor is valuable, perpetual humor can become wearisome, just like constant gloom. We must find the balance between these extremes, neither succumbing to moodiness nor forcing humor on every occasion.

We can alter our moods by a deliberate act of will. We can refuse to look miserable, speak pessimistically, or spread our gloom. In a spirit of unselfishness, we can put on a cheerful courage, dress ourselves in joy, anoint ourselves with praise and thanksgiving, and go out into the world to spread sunshine, not shadows, on life’s path. We must avoid nursing sorrow in our hearts, lest it break our spirits and those around us.

We can promote a cheerful heart by focusing on the bright things in life, counting our blessings rather than dwelling on our losses. When our hearts are filled with the love and light of God, how can we not be cheerful? This joy comes from living in union with Jesus Christ. In Him, we find an infinite supply of peace, joy, and light. Let us open our hearts to Him and wear these qualities each day like our daily garments (Isaiah 61:3-10).

Prayer

Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, may the praises of my God fill my heart and my tongue. Amen.