You’ve seen them…people with down-turned mouths, the furrowed brows and a distressed look in their eyes. Nothing puts a damper on a gathering more than a gloomy and melancholy person. Unfortunately, this description applies to many Christians – but it shouldn’t.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

God wants you to have a joyful heart. It is a disposition of the mind which affects the health of the body. A joyful heart is at peace with God…having a right relationship with Him. Its peace can be passive – enjoying a sense of freedom from guilt. It is also active, never selfish, springing into action for the Lord by serving others. It is good medicine…lifting the spirits of the helped one as well as its own. Beware of a crushed spirit, burdened by trials or upset by guilt or anger. It exhausts one to the very marrow of his bones.

Put your focus on the Lord. Serve Him with gladness. See His grace in your life at every turn. Then pray for the leaders of this nation. The world offers emptiness; God waits to bestow the best upon those who will turn to Him. After all, He is the One who gives life to dry bones.

Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14