Wow, so much could be said with every verse in Chapter 15. I immediately gravitate to the verses regarding the tongue and speech, because it seems that is where I usually need to most help! Especially verse 28, “the heart of the godly thinks before speaking’....However, another verse caught my eye this morning as well. It’s verse 15–
NIV: All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual banquet.
NLT: For the despondent, every day brings trouble: for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
With the many storms of recent days, it might be hard to think positive, look on the bright side, see the rainbow instead of the rain.... I’m not telling you to ignore the reality. However, we can look for the God who is greater than the storm.
This verse tells me of a life perspective to live by.
We probably all have a person in our lives that reminds us of the Hundred Acres Woods character of Eeyore. I know I do. She never sees the good potential, but always the bad. Whether real or not. It is hard to be around her because she always has a negative outlook. It really is kind of depressing. That’s just what it is—depressing. I cannot avoid her entirely, but my limited encounters have made it a “challenge” for me to be the encourager when she is the discourager, to be the positive when she is the negative. To help create an atmosphere of joy when there is an atmosphere of gloom. The following few verses speak about attitude of the heart creating the culture of “better-ness”. I know I just made that word up, but in modern day language —better to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with peace than a prime rib with turmoil—
As women, how we feel is so important because we set the tone for our surroundings, like our home. If we are discontented, no one can ever do anything to please us. How frustrating is that for those we love and live with. I ask the question to myself, do I make my home a place where my family WANTS to be? Or friends like to hang out? If not, then we need to ask the question, Why not? If God will speak to us and perhaps discipline us, then we need to take heed and follow his guidance to change.
Much love to you my sisters! Be encouraged, and be an encourager!
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