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A MERRY HEART (I)
FRIDAY, APRIL 30
Proverbs 15:13

Ecclesiastes 2:1-3

 

“A merry heart maketh a

cheerful countenance…”

 

A MERRY HEART (I)
 
Happiness is a precious commodity in this world. Surveys are frequently conducted, and published in newspapers, listing the “happiest countries in the world” ‒ prompting pride, in those at the top of the list, and envy, from those near the bottom. Meanwhile, depression continues to be identified as a major problem; and alarmingly, suicide rates are on the rise, especially among teenagers.
 
Scripture also extols the value of happiness. “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance,” says the proverb, “but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Prov 15:13). Indeed, the Christian ought to have a merry heart ‒ but how is this to be achieved? Perhaps the obvious place to begin is with the writer of the proverb himself. If we are right in identifying Solomon as the author of the book of Ecclesiastes, we have a first-hand account of his search for the very thing the world now seeks after.
 
Solomon tried worldly entertainment. “I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure” (Eccles 2:1) ‒ and how many of us have said the same? An entire industry has been built on this foundation; fortunes have been expended on vast campaigns to drive  this philosophy into the minds of people around the globe. Plastered across highways, perched atop skyscrapers, flashing on screens and devices everywhere, billboards and slogans and advertisements preach to humanity the same deadly message: “therefore enjoy pleasure.” Should we not pay heed to the voice of one who had resources far beyond ours to expend on this endeavour? And what was his conclusion? “Behold, this also is vanity. I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?” (Eccles 2:1-2).
 
Dear reader, there is no profit in the entertainment of the world. It may put a smile on your face for a moment, but it can bring no true, lasting, secure happiness to your heart. Those who centre their lives around such fleeting pleasures may find only too late the truth of the psalmist’s words, “Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god” (Ps 16:4).
 
THOUGHT: What joy can the godly find from a godless world?

PRAYER: Help me to know that “in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)!

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