As a child, I hated taking medicine. Unfortunately, I am no better as an adult. But we all are knowledgeable of the benefits of today's medical breakthroughs and the benefits of properly taking prescribed medications. They can prevent or cure a myriad of aches, pains and diseases. It is almost miraculous the effects of just a few doses.
Such is the case of the merry heart: it can overcome life's challenges in a miraculous way. Solomon compares it to deathly, dried-up bones of a broken spirit. We have all experienced both ends of the spectrum. When we are broken, nothing seems to matter and blessings are not recognized. However, when our hearts are bursting with happiness, all seems well within the world and nothing can seem to keep us down. For me, I choose the latter! However, wishing for a merry heart is not enough - it takes daily effort to achieve such a phenomenal experience.
David gives us excellent advice on how to keep a merry heart in Psalms 16: 8-11: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
One of the key concepts of David is that he keeps the Lord before him always. Similar to taking medication daily, it is with continual presence before God that we obtain the merry heart and rejoice in hope. It is not from the pleasure drugs of the world but from God's presence, that our spirits are lifted and we are filled with hope. Are you short on hope and long on despair today? Seek the One who has the perfect medicine for the heart!
