Joy of the Lord in life

They say laughter is tremendous therapy. As stress depletes the body, so laughter can recharge it. Thousands of years prior to studying the physiology of laughter, the writer of Proverbs composed this line: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)

It does a body good to laugh. It does a family good to laugh together. The heartbeat of a family, whether that family is just starting out or just woke up to their grandkids running through the house, should be joy.

This very simple proverb recognizes that there will be pain in life. The Bible is honest. It is radical in what it calls its readers to believe, but it is honest. It honestly recognizes that pain and discouragement and despair are going to come into every one of our lives. We will have people disappoint us. We will be put in situations that are unfair. We will have to face institutions that do not make our lives easier. We will have to face making hard decisions and dealing with the consequences.

In all honesty it is easier to cling to the hurt than to risk being full of joy. It is easier to hold onto what wrong was committed against us than to choose joy. When we cling to pain, we tell ourselves that we are entitled to feel this way. Because of what happened we are owed something by someone, somewhere.

The warning that comes from this pithy saying is that if we hold on tight to whatever it is that has afflicted us, it will dry us up from all of our strength. Our bones will become fragile, brittle and unable to bear the weight of life. When our bones become dried often we engage in evangelistic crusades attempting to convince all those around by influence or force that having dried and brittle bones is better than a heart of joy.

This proverb recognizes the power of living out joyful heart in light of dark days. A joyful heart that is good medicine in one that brings about healing and restoration. It is one that is able to say despite what is happening around me I can be full of joy.

God can be a foundation of joy that does not shift when the world around crumbles and falls. He can bring about healing to your soul.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.