All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that
is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
–Proverbs 15:15 (KJV)
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken
spirit drieth the bones. –Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
Three years ago my wife Andrea started down a difficult
journey of battling esophageal cancer. We are blessed and grateful
that three years later she remains cancer free. Anyone who has
battled cancer, or any other life-threatening illness, knows of the
endless hours spent in waiting rooms, continual tests and follow-up,
and the agonizing wait for test results. I recall during one particularly
long wait at a doctor’s office I was struck with an odd thought.
Stress will often cause me to look for something, anything, to laugh
about, and this thought nearly made me burst out laughing. Andrea
noticed me trying to stifle a laugh, so she asked me what was so funny.
I explained to her my idea of a special church just
for doctors. Upon arriving at the church they would have to sit
in the vestibule for about two hours. Eventually, someone with
their names on a clipboard would open the door and call them into the
sanctuary one by one. Once there they would have to sit and wait
another hour. They would then be lead to a room behind the sanctuary
where they would put on a choir robe with nothing on underneath.
Following this they could hear the sermon. Lastly, instead of
an offering we would bill them in thirty days. This ridiculous
thought just cracked me up, and believe me when I say I needed a good
laugh right then. I hope any medical professionals reading this
will have a healthy sense of humor and laugh along with me.
The Word of God says a merry, or joyful, heart is
like a continual feast. A merry heart is also like medicine.
I find a good laugh is akin to a B-12 shot, for we instantly feel better.
I enjoy hearing a talented comedian, especially one who doesn’t feel
the need to use profanity, yet I also am able to find humor in countless
situations. The joyful heart is able to be at peace because we
have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus referred to
the Spirit as the Comforter, and what a comfort it is to be able to
laugh even in the midst of difficult times. We are also reminded
in Scripture that a broken spirit is like having our bones become dry.
Not a pleasant thought, is it.
A daily walk with Christ refreshes our minds and
our spirits. We will have sorrows, as this is a part of life.
However, our sorrows do not have to defeat us. Instead, we have
victory through faith in Christ. Faith empowers us to rise up
in the face of adversity and walk forward with a glad and joyful heart.
Do not surrender to sorrow, which in turn leads to bitterness.
Rise up in faith and live the abundant life Christ offers. Of
course you have problems. We all do. Find something laugh
about anyway.
God bless you today.
