A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. – Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. – Proverbs 15:13 (KJV)

52 Proverbs in 52 Weeks – Week 46
This week’s theme:  God’s Life Hacks, simple Biblical truths to increase the fruitfulness and happiness of our lives.

God’s Life Hack:  Have a Happy Heart

Have you noticed that some people just seem to exude happiness?  They always seem to have a smile on their face and something nice to say.  Sure, they have sad times like everyone else, but they don’t dwell there. Instead, they focus on the positive and lift the spirits of those around them.  I think these are some of the people Solomon is referring to here in Proverbs 15:13. Their cheerful and “smiley” disposition reveals something special – a happy heart.

Recent research has confirmed the wisdom Solomon offered almost 3,000 years ago — that there are benefits to having a happy heart.  Studies completed in 2017 and 2018 presented evidence that just being happy can both improve our health and help us live longer.  The papers, which were published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being and the Proceedings of the Academy of National Sciences, also pointed to cardiovascular benefits, improved immune performance and faster healing.  In short, it’s good for us to be happy.

This verse is particularly timely as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving.  As we take stock of all we have to be thankful for, I pray that those blessings will be a source of joy and happiness in our hearts.  Psalm 100 tells us to “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.”  Let’s do that as we nurture our happy hearts!

Here’s a link to more verse posts on  God’s Life Hacks.

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