Have a happy heart

“For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15

When a fellow runner on a Facebook ultrarunning group page I’m a member of recently asked the question “ Do you pause your timer when stopping at drink stations or when changing shoes for a longer race?” recently, I was overwhelmed at the amount of responses that, in one way or another, said the same thing... No. “Because the 'official clock' is still running,” posted one of the respondents. In other words, as much as you and I would like to slow down or even stop time, we can’t. Not even for a second. Anyway you look at it then, life is very short and we would do well to remember that so we don’t waste even one moment of it.  

And do you know what one of the most tragic ways you and I can waste the precious moments the Lord has given us? By neglecting to see each day as the gift that it is and being grateful for it. You see, when you and I allow ourselves to be “despondent” or discouraged about life, every day will bring us trouble. But when we choose instead to be hopeful, thanking God for every blessing and confident that God will cause all things to work for our good, we will develop a “happy heart” that sees the good in everything. And for the person that develops this “happy heart, life is a continual feast.” 

So although life won’t always go as planned and we will all face trials, troubles and tribulations, let us choose to thank God for each day and look for the blessings in the burdens - knowing that we can’t always change our circumstances but we can always change our attitudes. And that my friend makes all the difference. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that life is short. Cause us to remember this at all times that we might make the best use of each moment we are given, refusing to allow depression, despondency, or complacency to fill our hearts and cause us to miss out on the joy that should fill every believer. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Happy Dance - MercyMe