How To Get A Merry Heart

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
How To Get A Merry Heart

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken ... A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 15:13; 17:22 KJV

It is that time of year when we are bombarded with happy scenes of cheerful songs and gaiety, yet it is reported that more people are depressed now than at any other season. We think we are guilty of not giving enough, not doing enough, not being happy enough.

Guilt works to break our spirits, dry our bones. If we are waiting for someone else to be cheerful, we might have to wait a long time. It is only my merry heart that will make me cheerful, my merry heart that works like a medicine in me.

What is the best medicine to get a merry heart? The Bible says it’s this: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8). And does not our Lord Jesus Christ fit the criteria for all these things?

It may take time for this medicine to work, but eventually it will. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). Let’s fix our minds on Christ, not only during this Christmas season, but throughout the year ahead.

By Tom Steere

Midst the darkness, storm, and sorrow, one bright gleam I see; Well I know the blessed morrow Christ will come for me. Midst the light, and peace, and glory of the Father's home, Christ for me is waiting, watching, waiting till I come.
By Gerhard Tersteegen