“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
We don’t always have good days, but we always have a good God. A “merry heart” should not depend on our circumstances. We are to rejoice in the Lord always. He is our glory and the lifter of our head. He keeps us from sinking under the waves. He brings good even out of the worst situations. By His help and grace the hard things we’ve faced don’t make us bitter of spirit, but better in character.
Weariness of spirit eats away at the joy of the Lord which is our strength and is the prelude to all manner of sin and sickness. We don’t do ourselves any favor when we yield to bitter sorrow and anger. Our bodies bear the brunt of what’s going on in our spirit. A crushed spirit dries our bones. A “merry heart” is a by-product of abiding in the Lord. It’s the best medicine for all of life’s wounds. Let the oil of joy replace mourning. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.