
There is a secret to living in cheerfulness that is hidden in the words of Proverbs 15:15. It says, “All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a cheerful heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances).” (Proverbs 15:15)
God promises it is possible for us to have a continual feast; having a constant satisfaction and delight in all conditions, even in affliction. The cheerful person’s condition is a banquet unceasingly, a fixed state of joy and contentment, being at peace always.”
In contrast are those who takes a gloomy view of things and who are always in low spirits. It is, the bible says as if “all the days of the afflicted are evil.” The “afflicted” here means not one who has to bear great misfortunes or difficult outward circumstances but a person who has a troubled and downcast spirit, making the worst of everything. God is cautioning us against this over-anxiety and walking in fearful anticipation instead of faith because it will steal our joy and cheerful view of life.
God knows that there are many things that can afflict us, but in response to such afflictions He said to give no thought to such things and instead to seek Him and His way of doing things. Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? … Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:25-33)
Living everyday with a consciousness of God in our midst, and that He is for us and not against us; that He gave up everything for us to be cheerfully free, and that all of heaven is cheering us on, alters our perspective from gloom to cheerfulness. Instead of being afflicted with anxious thoughts we grow to know that we don’t even need to give a thought to the things the rest of the world stresses about because God promises over and over again that He will give us all we need; perfect that which concerns us, and fulfil our highest hopes and dreams (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 138:8; Ephesians 3:20).
When we seek to have a heavenly perspective through reason of practicing to turn our thoughts and hearts towards God then even when difficulties arise we can know that they are only momentary troubles and that all things must pass and this will too. It’s essentially choosing to take the long view of life understanding God’s perspective and that He is involved in every part of our life. What He has started He will be faithful to complete in us.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! “(2 Corinthians 4:17)
Today cultivate cheerfulness in your life and cause your heart to be glad as you turn your affections and thoughts towards Jesus and gain some heavenly perspective. Allow the encouraging promises in His Word to make your heart glad.
“Anxiety in a man’s heat weighs him down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25)
Prayer: Lord I’m turning my thoughts and heart towards heaven and engaging in the joy that flows out of your kingdom. Help me to remember that any problems I may be facing are momentary and will pass, so help me to not focus my attention on them, but on you and your Word instead. In Jesus name Amen.
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