A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. (Proverbs 15:13)
A couple went for marriage counselling. The chaplain asked the wife, “Do you ever wake up grumpy?” “No,” she replied, “he usually wakes up on his own.” This couple has some real issues, but one of them appears to be the attitude of the husband.
As the Book of Proverbs points out, our attitudes can have a significant impact on the quality of our lives and of our faith. Our faces often reflect what is truly in our hearts.
My father used to say that people have the kind of day they make their minds up to have, which often means many have the kind of lives they make their minds up to have. If you always expect the worst, and look for the worst, you will find it. But your heart and spirit will be crushed under that weight. However, if you trust the hand of the Lord and choose to look for his blessings, you will find them. And your life will soar on eagle’s wings.
Somebody once noted there are only two kinds of Christians in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord”, and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” It all depends upon what we have allowed to fill our hearts.
What does it mean to have a glad heart?
What happens when we have sorrowful hearts?
How would other people describe your attitude today?
God of mercy, I am sorry if I look for and expect the worst each day. Today, fill my heart with joy, and help me to see you everywhere I go. And help others to see you in me. Amen.
