A Cheerful Heart

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

My reading this morning focused on having a cheerful and merry heart. The dilemma being how to do this with all the "stuff" we have to deal with on a daily basis. My "stuff" being the disappointment, hurt and anger I feel at my husband's drinking. I have moped around, I have thrown myself awesome pity parties, I have asked "why me?" and I have cried more in the last 4 years than I think I've cried my whole life! I put on a happy face for work and get togethers with family and friends but this is not a "cheerful heart". In fact, my heart aches and I fight tears behind the smile. The ache takes all the energy from me and I do feel used up - hence, my spirit is crushed and my bones are dry.

I know the answer. Trust in the Lord. Cast my cares on Him. Seek rest in Him. Know that with Him all things are possible. He is sovereign. He has a plan. I don't have to worry. He's got me covered. So why do I worry? Because I want what I want when I want it! Patience. Yep, that's what the fortune taped on my desk says too, Be patient. Good things come to those who wait. You think the Chinese fortune cookie writer's stuff is original? Ok, that's a blog for another day.

Back to a merry heart. I make the choice each day to be happy or sad. I've learned this. I know this stuff. Did I forget? Short term memory loss? Old age? I'm not THAT old! No, I have to remember to trust the Lord. When I do that I know the peace I feel. I know it. Grab it. It's free. Thank God.