Cheerfulness

From My Perspective - - -

There is another dimension to the subjects of jocularity, humor, jokes and happiness, namely, the Therapeutic. The idea is gleaned from Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” A similar thought is shared in Proverbs 15:13, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” There is a connection being made between the psychological and the physiological. It is not an artificial “feel good” response following a “pep talk” but it is the product of a positive lifestyle that basks in a truth shared in Nehemiah 8:9-12. After the wall to The City has been rebuilt, the Law of God is brought out and read. Will they listen to it? How do they respond to the Word of God? How much of it will they remember after years of exile? Will it matter at all to them?

Nehemiah records: “Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, ‘This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve." Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” In verse 4, the text states: “…all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law…”

After working so hard for so long, they heard the words: “The Joy of the Lord is your Strength!” They become exuberant and begin to celebrate with Great Joy. This same principle is employed in the ministry of Jesus Christ. If you scan through the Gospel of Matthew and the scenes where Jesus shows compassion toward the sick and infirm, He usually stated: “Be of good Cheer, your sins are forgiven you.” When the Disciples are in the boat and a storm unleashes all of its fury, Jesus says to those fearing for their lives: “Be of good Cheer, do not be afraid!” Why did Jesus say these words? What truth was He seeking to convey? It should translate into – the closer one is to Jesus, the greater should be one’s Joy and Cheer!

The Sermon on the Mount begins with a section known as the Beatitudes. A Commentary on this section has indicated this teaching could be known as: “The Be-Happy-Attitudes”! Others have translated the word “blessed” as “Happy”! The NLT renders the text (Matthew 5:3-12): “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.”

The self-deprecating and angry soul weighs down his/her mind and it soon affects the physical well-being. Such a person “drags” around and has a sense emptiness and uselessness. In time, the soul that is seldom Happy and rarely allows itself to enjoy God and His Creation will have mounting miseries of both mind and body. Such a person can and will impact others with such constant negativism. An old-time evangelist wrote the words to a Chorus: “Cheer Up! Ye saints of God, There’s nothing to worry about – Nothing to make you be afraid – Nothing to make you doubt! Remember! Jesus Never Fails! So why not trust him and shout – you’ll Be Happy you did tomorrow morning.”

Consider these things with me – and – let the Joy of the Lord be your Strength!