Text:
Proverbs 15:13-15
Memory Verse:
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13).
A gloomy Christian is an abnormal Christian. Cheerfulness should characterise the walk of every believer. By cheerfulness, we do not mean silliness, but a condition of inner peace, joy and satisfaction. Cheerfulness stems from the inside and is not affected by the outside circumstances alone. A cheerful countenance results from a merry heart. A long face, though pious, is not a good advertisement for our Saviour. When we make sacrifices for others, and do them as if they are painful tasks, they lose the blessings and testimony. Paul says we are to show mercy with cheerfulness.
When we take time out to think about the blessedness of answered prayers that we enjoy, the favour of God and all His benefits, we should be cheerful and sing praises to God. Twice, Jesus said to His disciples, “be of good cheer. The first was in Mark 6:50 when the disciples were threatened by a great storm and Jesus, walking on the sea, said “Be of good cheer, it is I.” The second was in John 16:33 when He said to them “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Before these, He had said to a lame man in Matthew 9:2, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” He did not say “cheer up, because I am going to heal your paralysis” but “your sins are forgiven.” Through God’s forgiveness, He has turned your mourning into dancing and replaced your sackcloth with the cloth of gladness. So, be of good cheer.
Prayer Points:
1. O Lord! Deliver me from every gloomy situation.
2. I pray for a cheerful spirit always, O Lord!