Maintain A Cheerful Heart
“Stay positive!” “Just look on the bright side!” “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” “Attitude is everything!” We’ve all heard these age-old phrases before, but we might be tempted to write off such advice as nonsense. However, there is more truth than we might realize behind these clever sayings. As wise Solomon once observed, “all the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15 ESV). In other words, those who are downcast and anxious will always be troubled by something, but those who seek to maintain a merry attitude will enjoy a life that is a continual banquet, regardless of their external circumstances. Truly, life is often what we make it and how we choose to take it. Happiness isn’t so much about living a life that is free from troubles or difficulties, but it is about how we decide to respond to what life throws our way. Being aware of our attitude can often be the decisive difference between a good day and one that is lousy. In a great way, choosing to keep a positive outlook is the key to unlock a happier and more peaceful life.
The apostle Paul certainly understood the value of keeping a cheerful heart! As he was closing his prison letter to the church at Philippi, he said, “rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Paul used repetition, a noticeable literary feature, to stress the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. He didn’t just say it once; he emphasized it by saying it twice in the same sentence! As Paul noted, the Christian shouldn’t just rejoice when things are going well, but they should choose to rejoice always and at all times! You may not have the job you always dreams about, the perfect body you wish to see in the mirror, the amount of money in the bank ac-count you think you deserve, or a house like you see on television. Still, you can be happy—you can be joyful! This is true because our happiness isn’t connected to an outward circumstance. No, our reason to rejoice is connected to Christ! The Christian can navigate life with the internal satisfaction of knowing they are right with God. Everything else may fall apart, but the Lord and His promises stay the same. All other sources of fulfillment may dry out, but there will never come a moment when the Christian will be unable to find joy in the oasis of God’s love and approval. The joy about which Paul writes isn’t merely sunny optimism; it’s a cheerful attitude that is the natural byproduct of being right with God!
When the old devil tempts you to feel down, dwell on all the negatives, and become troubled by your outward circumstances—rejoice! You are a Christian! You are loved and accepted by God! God has placed His seal of approval on you! Regardless of what may be happening around you, choose to maintain a cheerful attitude and rejoice in the Lord. Working hard to keep a cheerful attitude will not only be healthy for you, but it will also be contagious as it spreads to those around you. So, keep your head up, smile, look on the bright side, and experience “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in 2021!
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
