A Joyful Heart Is Healing To The Body

Many are those who look good or wear the pretty smile; it’s what they want you to see. Behind that smile lies deep sorrow and heartache kept well hidden from everyone.

A Joyful Heart Is Healing To The Body

The Bible Has Lots to Say About Sorrow And Grief. 

Could it be that maybe, we’re laughing and putting on a brave front AND just going through the motions? Smiling, but in a turmoil INSIDE?  That hearts are broken and discouraged?

A laugh doesn’t mean we’re O.K; underneath, we may just be a soul in pain.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10  Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 

Is It Possible?
Joy is so much better than happiness. It comes from your spirit. 
  • Those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy, glad to say “Great is the Lord who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
  • They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the Lord they shout from the west. Isaiah 24:14
  • The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 29:19
  • The ransomed of the Lord shall come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10 
What Does That Even Mean??
How is it possible to be joyful when your heart hurts??? We all know those who struggle, yet cheer you up. Those who are down but make you feel better. Strong in spirit even when their body is wasting away. On the flip side, we know those with a crushed spirit and they drain the energy right out of you. 
Deep Joy and satisfaction is independent of circumstances and can only come from one place—a right relationship with Jesus. He’s the Lord of our life and the more you know Him, the more you trust Him. The more you trust Him, the more you surrender control and rest in HIM.
What Does That Even Mean??
How is it possible to be joyful when your heart hurts??? We all know those who struggle, yet cheer you up. Those who are down but make you feel better. Strong in spirit even when their body is wasting away. On the flip side, we know those with a crushed spirit and they drain the energy right out of you. 
Is It Possible?
Joy is so much better than happiness. It comes from your spirit. 
  • Those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy, glad to say “Great is the Lord who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
  • They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the Lord they shout from the west. Isaiah 24:14
  • The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 29:19
  • The ransomed of the Lord shall come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10 

Deep Joy and satisfaction is independent of circumstances and can only come from one place—a right relationship with Jesus. He’s the Lord of our life and the more you know Him, the more you trust Him. The more you trust Him, the more you surrender control and rest in HIM.

REPLACE LIES WITH TRUTH

Pay attention to what you’re telling yourself!

Check your language, your thoughts… is it aligned with the Word of God?

Are you telling yourself the truth?

LIES. It’s so important to KNOW the Word and REST in it. Lies have to be exposed and replaced with God’s truths to set you free. The Bible is full of God’s promises. And… His thoughts are not our thoughts.

  • How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:17 
  • Provide for those who grieve in Zionto bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 
  • A crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of despair, and a garment of praise instead of mourning. WOW!!
  • Joy for the soul, found in God alone. In simple pleasures… in His loving arms.
  • Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life…? Matthew 6:25-34
  • Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
  • Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-8 
  • I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12 
  • Rejoice in HIS goodness in order to bring Him glory. Our joy glorifies God and benefits us. By His grace, the Lord has ordained that what glorifies Him is what is good for us. 1 Cor. 10:31

A Joyful Heart Is Healing To The Body CONCLUSION:

A cheerful heart doesn’t pretend all is well. It grieves properly, possessing deep and enduring peace and trust in the Lord. He’s the source of true, eternal joy. A cheerful heart may not always show itself with a smile, but even when it is not in happy circumstances, we are confident that glory is being prepared for us.

  • An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25 
  • In the day of prosperity, be joyful. God made both, so man may not find anything that will be after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14 

GOD BLESS YOU!

“You can find joy in the midst of brokenness. One of the hardest times to be joyful is when you’re dealing with multiple problems—seeking solutions but finding none—and then several new difficulties beset you. The way to encounter joy in adversity is to encounter Jesus. You can pray, ‘Lord, help me find You in the midst of this mess!…”  

Norma Bourque Niles