A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
I love, love, love this verse; but, unfortunately we live in a spirit crushing world. Bad things happen in motherhood and in life. We are living between two gardens, the garden of Eden and the garden that Jesus will establish when He returns. I look forward to this day. I am thankful for the fact that Jesus is coming back and will triumph over evil. I look forward to everlasting life in Heaven, eternal connection with my Lord and Savior. But, in the here and now, we must work to maintain a mindset of sanctification, a heart of devotion, and a spirit of thanksgiving that brings hope and light to others.
Having a cheerful heart is a daily endeavor. We maintain a mindset of Christ through God’s Word. Scripture is a force that is in motion, applicable to our lives today (Hebrews 4:12). It can penetrate the lies that surround us, and remove barriers to shed light onto the Truth of what God says is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. You are wholly and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12). Through Jesus, we have the hope of Heaven someday. We must mother our children in light of this fact. God’s Word changes everything. It can cause crushed up, dry bones to come alive (Ezekiel 37:10). It can empower a weary mother like me to dwell on the joyful components of even her most broken down circumstances.
I’ve heard it said, “You steer where you stare.” Look toward the light in your life. God’s Word brings truth and goodness into our hearts and our homes. Invest your time in matters of eternity. Read God’s love letter to us. Read, enjoy, and meditate on the Bible. It will change your life. It will alter the perspective of your circumstances. Read God’s life giving, holy Word.
Steps of Faith:
Record Proverbs 17:22 on a notecard. Place it somewhere within sight in your home.
If you don’t regularly read God’s Word, I encourage you to do so. The Bible changes everything. It can enable your heart to thrive, and provide water and light for a spirit of cheerfulness and thanksgiving to flourish within you.
Make a list or a note on your phone of five things you are thankful for today. Revisit that list when your cup runs dry and you are feeling discouraged.