UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 17, 2013.  Young is a graduate of University of Illinois (BS), Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MA). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Cheerful Heart”

Proverbs 17:10, 12, 14, 19, 22, 25 

“A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool” (v.17); “Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly” (v.12); “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out” (v.14); “He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction” (v.19);  “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (v.22); “A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him” (v.25).

A cheerful heart is good medicine. We need more people who have joy in their hearts—a cheerful heart that is not dependent upon circumstances, but on their identity in Christ.  

Life is not easy, but in Christ we can find joy even in times of difficulties.  Ask Jesus for a cheerful heart so you can be a good medicine to yourself and others today. 

At any rate, let’s consider these questions: What has brought joy into your heart lately? What is crushing your spirit? List them in your journal.  Spend time writing a prayer that surrenders your heavy heart and ask our Heavenly Father for a heart of joy.  Here are some verses to help you write out that prayer.

Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  

1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Prayer: Lord, teach me your ways. Show me your presence so that my heart may be filled with joy. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Ezekiel 2-3