Promises - Pt. 2

 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:17-22 ESV).

 

Today we look at the first of the promises of God I’ll be focusing on in the coming days. Our reading declares: “A joyful heart is good medicine” (v. 22). That’s an incredible promise of God. I’ve met some people who are living examples of the truth of this proverb. They’re like good medicine for me. In fact, as I was writing this morning I received a phone call from a long time friend and fellow pastor. We visited for a bit, laughed a lot, and, of course, solved all the world’s problems in our twenty minute conversation! It reminded me again how good this kind of “medicine” is for my soul.

 

I’m sure you know people like this in your circle as well. They are just good for you. These are folks who have a heart that holds on to good things that happen. They are grateful for all the good things God gives them in life. These are folks who remember others who have been a blessing to them and don’t take them for granted. These are folks who can see good when everyone else is thinking the worst. They treasure the gifts of every day, whether small or large. They have hearts that hold on to the promises of God about his constant care and provision. Somehow these folks never seem to lose sight of the good things God is doing. They have an inner ability to be grateful for all kinds of things that many of us overlook.

 

This doesn’t mean these people are never sad or sorrowful. They can certainly struggle with being down during tough times. They can cry. They can call out to God in pain. They can admit disappointment. But they won’t let such things dominate them. If there are other folks who drag us down, these folks help to pick us up. It’s good for me to be with people like that. I encourage you to look for those folks in your life. God’s promise is that they exist. They are around us. We must learn to put ourselves in that kind of circle. And, we must learn to limit our time around those who are not like that, unless we are being the good medicine for them. Claim this promise in your life today!