Maintaining a cheerful heart is very important to being happy in life and at work. It is often not so much about our circumstances, but how we respond in the midst of those circumstances. Another way to put it might be that what we achieve is not nearly as important as what we overcome. And, it takes the right spirit of thankfulness, attitude of gratitude, and cheerful heart to overcome many of life’s toughest circumstances. The questions then becomes where does this strong yet peaceful spirit come from. It comes from a personal relationship with Jesus!
“The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes”…Paslm 19:8
With this joy in our hearts and light in our eyes, we can “Serve the LORD with gladness”….Psalm 100:2
When somebody is eighty-four years of age and is still able to do just a little bit of the work she loves, that is a great privilege,” said the inimitable Corrie ten Boom before adding, no doubt with a smile, “but I am able to do so much!” According to her coworker, Pam Rosewell, Corrie was continually thankful to God for every opportunity to serve Him, and she went about her task with an enthusiasm hard to equal. “How she enjoyed life,” Pam later recalled, “…and what a sense of humor she had! We spent a lot of time laughing; she was very young in spirit.”
“He who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.”…Proverbs 15:15
“A cheerful heart is good medicine”…Proverbs 17:22
Every day has its share of burdens, and many of us have aches and pains. But a cheerful heart is as irrepressible as a cork in water. A joyful person just cannot be held down. What a privilege to serve the Lord with gladness and to use our gifts for His glory, doing so with a merry heart. We can moan and complain about life or we can keep life in perspective and enjoy it. Paul learned the secret of contentment, and so can we. That choice is yours and mine.
The future is glorious. The best is yet to be, and you and I have the privilege to help hasten the coming of Jesus…..Corrie ten Boom
