A Cheerful Heart

Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."

We lightly refer to our attitude in the morning as whether we got up on the "right or wrong side of the bed".  Interestingly,  I read that in early days, a man always kept his weapons on the right side of the bed. Thus, that was the needed side to sleep and rise on. If he was inebriated,  and chose the wrong side,  that could  be trouble, if his weapons were suddenly needed.

I sometimes think of cheerfulness as being a perky personality trait.  It's really a lot more than that.  It is more than choosing positive thinking. I have tried that. I feel so proud of myself for literally turning my thinking around by a choice. It might last awhile but something will happen to flip the switch again. It's wearisome to try to keep on top of things that way.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.  Meaning: I must have a driving force behind that cheerful countenance.  How is that done?

That pioneer fellow safely stored his weapon in the same right hand corner every night. He knew where he needed to sleep to access help. And if he was smart, he knew not to inbibe or he would be very disoriented if emergency arose.

I don't know why it takes me awhile to become focused on where my weapons are some mornings. I love to awaken joyfully and hit the floor running, so to speak. I am a pretty positive person and if the bones and muscles cooperate at my age, I can manage to get a fair start for the day.  But even on one of those good days, I'm on the short side of being "cheerful"!

Because,  the definition of "cheerful" ,"joy", "delight", or "happy" imply something beyond just having a "good" day.  By definition, these words mean that they are emotions evoked by the prospect of or actually the possession of things desired.

I'll be the first to say that there are physical things that make me temporarily feel great. Attention from loved ones, holding a baby, eating favorite foods, hearing beautiful music,  walking through a  flower garden, a good visit with a friend.  And lots of other wonderful things in my life. But they are momentary.

I have a dear friend who, unless God changes her course,  is probably dying. She is such an inspiration to me. The other day after my inquiry of" "How are you?" , she texted me back.  " I have pain, but God is good, good, good!" She is obviously cherished and loved by a God who is feeling praised!

Every morning, I must make an effort to find my bearings.  It is needful for me to know where my weapons are to insure safety for the day. I have found that immediately I must turn my thoughts to The Source of my happiness.  If I start out with praise and thanksgiving,  I find that I have fired my first shot for the day. The enemy is aware that I will fight and my mind is alert to his devices.

That alone sets the tone for day. By choosing to honor and praise the Lord,  I am placing everything in His hands. By doing so, I am establishing that my happiness is not dependent on changing winds of circumstance. It is grounded in an unchanging God. Even in difficulty, my level of cheerfulness is based on how much praise I'm lifting up to God. That is getting up on the right side of the bed!