Devotional Day 19: Having A Happy Heart

• Proverbs 15: 13 : "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."
• Proverbs 15:30 : "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."
• Job 8:21 : "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting."
• We've all heard that laughter is the best medicine! In a way it is. Having a happy heart helps you make it through tough times and contributes to a healthy Christian life.

     In Proverbs 15:13 it speaks of a happy heart shows, but when you have a heavy heart because of sadness and things like that, it crushes your spirit. It makes you feel weak and hopeless. Sometimes, in our darkest moments, we just want to be sad. That's okay! Sadness isn't a bad thing. There's a time to grieve and times for sadness, but it shouldn't last forever. When we don't want to be sad anymore, when we need something to take our mind off of what's causing the pain, we can turn to laughter! Focus on things in life that make you happy. For example, when I'm having a bad day all I have to do is talk to my mom and brother. They give me the serious talk I need to help sort through my problems, not avoid them. Then they bring me comic relief from the stress I feel. God wants you to be happy and laugh. In His Word it even states that God loves a cheerful giver. 

     Sometimes just looking happy can help other people! Laughter and smiles are contagious! If you feel happy then show it. Your happiness may help others find their own joy. You never know when just smiling at someone when they pass you in the grocery store can change their entire day. That's why i like Proverbs 15:30 so much. It simply states the obvious. When you feel good and show it, it raises spirits, not only yours, but others as well!

     God wants to do things that make you happy! He wants to bless your life with things and surprise you with miracles just to see you smile and fill your heart with warmth. I think that is clearly explained in Job 8:21! He wants to fill your mouth with laughter! He wants to take away your stress and your pain. You just have to let Him do His part, and recognize the hands He puts out for you to take! Blessings don't have to necessarily be supernatural. It can come in the form of financial help or someone new being brought into  your life. God feels joy when we are happy. He loves us and wants us to have a healthy, happy heart.

                                                                        Questions/Application

• What has God given you that makes you happy?
• What has God blessed you with recently that was unexpected?
• Who in your life do you feel is a blessing? Someone that makes you laugh? Makes you happy?