A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV
Biblical realism. . . . . not optimism or pessimism
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Proverbs 12:25
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
Proverbs 14:10
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.
Proverbs 14:13
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 14:30
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
Proverbs 15:13
Is having a joyful heart really that important?
– There is nothing that can happen to you outside of _all things_.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
-Your victory will be determined not by what comes _at_ you, but by what comes _from_ you.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. but take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Seven suggestions to develop a joyful heart:
1). Cultivate your relationship with God.
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2
2). Initiate a kind and forgiving spirit.
Ephesians 4:32