Proverbs 17:22 etc. – A MERRY HEART
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…
I have two goals for this message.
1. That you will leave our meeting with a merry heart.
2. That you will maintain that merry heart through the whole week, no matter what circumstances you face.
A merry heart is a joyful heart. We are joyful on the inside because of what God is doing and because of who He is. We are joyful to a point of singing, even when circumstances are not what they should be, or what we want them to be.
Some people want to always be happy. The joyful or merry Christian isn’t always happy with the happenings surrounding him, however, he finds joy in Christ in spite of the happenings.
This proverb states that a merry heart is good for us like a medicine.
A medicine often soothes. A merry heart soothes us and anxiety is reduced. A merry heart also soothes our attitude so that we respond properly to people.
A medicine often reduces pain. A merry heart reduces the pain of hurt feelings, failed expectations and misunderstandings.
A medicine also makes one feel better, especially when infection is removed. A merry heart makes us feel better about the situations with which we are confronted.
How do I receive a merry heart?
What is a merry heart like?
Here are six qualities of a merry heart:
1. A MERRY HEART IS A HEART AT PEACE.
The peace of conversion Isaiah 59:2, 53:5-6, Romans 5:1
The peace of confession Psalm 66:18, 1John 1:9, Psalm 32:5
The peace of concentration Isaiah 26:3 (True peace comes from the Lord, focusing on Him.)
2. A MERRY HEART IS A HEART OF PRAISE.
Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 34:1, 100:1-5, 103:1-2, Hebrews 13:15
3. A MERRY IS A HEART OF PRAYER.
Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7
4. A MERRY HEART IS A HEART OF PRACTICE.
A merry heart practices obedience. Hebrews 10:17, John 14:15
5. A MERRY HEART IS A HEART WITH PURPOSE.
The problem with many is that they have no purpose for living. Micah 6:8 gives us 3 purposes for living. We should do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.
6. A MERRY HEART IS A HEART OF POWER
Nehemiah 6:8, Philippians 4:13