Monday Musings: A Cheerful Heart

I've been reading through Proverbs.  I always enjoy Proverbs because it is so full of practical, everyday wisdom.  Again, God has not left us with "no clue" as to how we should live.  I came across one of my favorite verses the other day.  I used to have it painted on my kitchen wall and I just might need to do that again.

". . . a cheerful heart has a continual feast." Proverbs 15:15b

A continual feast?  That sounds good to me.  What does it mean to have a cheerful heart?  Well, sometimes I best understand a concept by working through what it DOES NOT mean.  

A cheerful heart does not mean plastering a fake smile on your face.

A cheerful heart does not mean being blissfully unaware of reality.

A cheerful heart does not mean that you are merely optimistic.

A cheerful heart does not mean everything is going your way.

A cheerful heart does not mean that life is easy.

A cheerful heart does not mean that your heart is not breaking in some way.

So, what does it mean?

Do others see you as one who has a cheerful heart?

Where is your focus currently?

 A cheerful heart means that you make a choice to focus on:

     *who God is

     *what He has done in your life

     *the gifts you have been given

     *the hope of eternity

     *the presence of Jesus

A cheerful heart means that you trust in the Lord's:

     *Faithfulness

     *Goodness

     *Love

     *Mercy

     *Sovereignty

     *Grace

     *Forgiveness

A FEAST, INDEED.