Proverbs 15:13–15: A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
Insight
These verses refer to a happy heart, a discerning heart, and a cheerful heart. Inner joy shows on a person’s face, but inner grief (heartache) depresses a person’s morale. Happiness and depression are issues of the heart. What a person is inwardly has more lasting impact on his emotional state than do his circumstances. Some people hold up under difficult circumstances better than others because of inner strength. 1
Application
In Psalm 34:4–6 King David declared: “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.”
You personally can experience this great love of God today. Will you seek His deliverance right now? Will you now pray, in faith, on behalf of another family member or friend, to experience this deliverance from God? Pray that God will save them out of their deep troubles. Pray for a cheerful countenance.
Motivation
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
The difference between a merry heart and a broken heart is receiving His heart of love for us. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for being the lifter of my head.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
