A MERRY HEART DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE

 A MERRY HEART DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE

Jesus went to the mountains when he needed a break from ministering. I watch a movie or go mess around in my garden. Sometimes we tend to overdo it, being so intense, serious and religious; we don’t make time for fun and relaxation. It’s just not healthy and it’s not God’s will. He wants us to enjoy what He’s given us. That means we get to experience our God-given emotions of happiness and pleasure.

 

I know we’re not to base all of our decisions on what makes us feel good. But we’re not to deny ourselves either. Balance is a good thing.

 

In Old Testament times there were feasts throughout the year. Ecclesiastes 10:16 tells us “a feast is made for laughter,” so God must want us to have some good times. Proverbs 15:15 says, “He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”

 

The original word for “merry” means playful, cheerful, joyful, pleasant, and beautiful. The word for “heart” means feelings and intellect. To have playful, pleasant, and beautiful feelings or thinking, we need to include some laughter, fun and relaxation in our busy schedules. God has a reason for wanting us to employ our emotional side.

 

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” The definition for the word “merry” includes “brightness.” Frieda, an older friend of ours tripped on some steps, took a bad fall and was at home recovering. She was spending a lot of time alone and was getting absent-minded and dull in her thinking.

 

Jane picked up on this and remembered that Frieda always seemed to really enjoy watching baseball. Jane got out the baseball schedule and started calling every day to get Frieda hooked up on a game. The happy emotions kicked in and she looked forward to getting her daily call about a game to watch. Her mind grew sharper and clearer. She was happy and it changed her whole outlook.

 

Find something you love and do it. King David danced and played music. Peter went fishing. Jesus went up to the mountains. And I go out to my garden.

 

Whether it’s the garden, a trip to the mountains, watching your favorite sport or any other “time out” activity, let’s not deny ourselves the opportunity to refresh our souls and get healthier as we enjoy what God’s given to us.

 

Love, Carolyn