Proverbs 17:22
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
A positive mindset is key to having a healthy life. Anyone would agree that being positive can alter how one feels, just as a negative mindset can. The word merry in our verse means joyful, and the heart is the source of one's innermost thoughts and emotions. Scripture bears witness to the positive effects of joy in one's life:
Proverbs 14:30
"A sound (peaceful) heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."
Proverbs 15:13
"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."
A joyful heart brings benefits to us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Take note that this conversation does not convey a happy heart. Why is that? Happiness is an emotion just like sadness or anger. Emotions can come and go, changing at a moment's notice. But joy, true joy that comes from God, doesn’t change due to circumstances or our current surroundings.
What's inside the heart will come out in our actions, Jesus said so in Matthew 15:18; "But those which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart..." So what we keep in our hearts will come, and we need to be mindful of that, seeing that we have been called to be a light in a dark world for Christ.
So, how do we keep this joy manifested in our lives? Take time to reflect on the goodness of God in our lives, pray often, worship Him in truth, and spend time in His Word.
Psalm 19:8
"The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes."
Psalm 119:111
"Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart."
Remember, the world cannot take away the joy that God gave to you!
Take joy in the Lord and have a great summer!