“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
Disappointments
There are times when things don’t go the way we had hoped. Disappointment enters in. We can become sad, even burdened down by unfulfilled hopes. It’s happened to me at times—and I’m sure it’s happened to many of you.
During a recent time of disappointment, I was reminded of today’s verse. I didn’t want my disappointed, broken spirit to dry me up! I realized that the “medicine” I needed for my disappointment was to turn my heart in worship to the Lord. I needed to be “merry” in Him. I needed to rest in the joy of the Lord that is my help and strength.
As I changed my disappointment focus to worshipping the Lord, everything changed. My attitude of choosing worship helped heal my heart. The clouds of disappointment lifted. My perspective changed from me to the Lord.
Many medical doctors have acknowledged that a positive outlook even helps with physical healing. My oncologist once told me that hope and a positive outlook can be the difference between surviving or not making it. Medicine helps, but it’s not enough. What’s in our hearts impacts us in every way.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Joy and sorrow and disappointment can intermingle in our days. Having a merry heart, worshipping, and being joyful can make all the difference in our outlook. We may not be born optimists, but we can “choose worship” and let it overcome the disappointments we face.
Lord, help us to choose a merry heart when we are brokenhearted, crushed, or disappointed. May we have a heart to worship You, for You love and care for us tenderly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.