Make Merry

(Pro 15:13 KJV)  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

The KJV talks about a “merry” (8056) as opposed to the “joyful” of the NASB.  I think the idea is to celebrate.  The bigger question is, how to you get such a happy heart?  It is amazing how many Christians don’t seem to have this.  You know the kind of people I am talking about.  You don’t have to spend much time with them before the “woe is me” stories start.  We have organ recitals, family failures and a general view of the world in a handbasket.

Since I am older I am around older people a lot and it is amazing the difference ways people respond to life.  It isn’t necessarily the circumstances as it is the heart.  I remember the pastor sharing about an elderly friend who was dying.  He was going down hill fast.  He knew the end was near.  At the same time he was a source of joy to all around him.

I think it begins with a daily encounter with the living God.  I know that each day as I begin with worship I am reminded of the big picture and that God is the artist.  

So?  Meet with the source of merry hearts.  Get yours while it is still available.  Let it shine forth in such a way that others can see it.  They may be so gloomy they are able to ignore your joy but that is on them, not you.