KEY SCRIPTURE Proverbs 15:13 KJV” A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken”.

We continue with the fruit of the Spirit. A merry heart is an expression of joy. In the book of Proverbs, there are three instances that it makes mention of a merry heart. All these three have a profound implication to us, and it is worth noting. Proverbs 15:13 says ” A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” This simply means, a joyful heart straightens up the whole body, but a worried mind breaks up his spirit. but, according to Proverbs 18:14. ” The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” It is your spirit that keeps you holding on in difficult or trying moments. If your spirit is wounded as a result of various life situations, how can you stand up against difficult situations in life? Joy is the strength of the Spirit of man.

The next statement in Proverbs about a joyful heart or merry heart is Proverbs 15:15 “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Life offers both good times and bad times. Bad times can depress or keep one very down., yet the man who chooses to maintain a merry heart will not know any down moments. He has a continued feast. He is the man who declares my life is moving upward and forward, with no down moments. Whether you have an up and down life or a life of constant feast of excitement depends on your decision to maintain a merry heart.

The third and last instant declares “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” Proverbs 17:22 Joy to the whole being is like medicine. It will boost your immune system. Sorrow and worry will dry up the bones. It will poison your system. Worry or joyfulness is a choice. To keep a joyful heart, always turn to what God says in His word and tell yourself, you believe what the word says. Start thanking the Lord and then sing songs to praise him for answered prayers. Refuse to be worried when negative thoughts come to your mind. Just say, ‘my God is in charge and everything is well with me’. Keep singing and making melody in your heart unto the Lord.

CONFESSION

I have joy, joy like a river running through my soul. I have no down moments for I have chosen to rejoice

in all situations.

FURTHER STUDIES

Ephesians 5:19 KJV Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Philippians 4:6 KJV “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”