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Proverbs 17:22, John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:14, John 15:10-11, Luke 24:45-53
When we celebrate a New Year, we never know what the year will bring. This year, my sweet dad passed away in May, and our cheerful Aunt Maureen on my husband’s side, passed away in June. After they were received by Jesus, I felt some happiness for them, but I felt more sadness after their departure from Earth. My daughter, Emily, called the blow of loss, “a deep wound.” She’s so right.
As tears intermittently flowed after triggers from reminders of my loved ones, I realized I had been crying too much. I started to get concerned that my numb sad state could turn into depression, and hurt my health. During that time, I believe the Holy Spirit helped me to remember Proverbs 17:22 that says, “22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Prior to that day, I had focused mostly on the first part of that verse, about a happy heart being like medication. I decided to park on the second part of the verse. It was basically about sadness hurting bone health. Curious, I searched depression and bone health. The Columbia University Department of Psychiatry said on April 4, 2023,
“A number of studies have found a link between depression and bone health. Some indicate reduced bone mineral density, accelerated bone loss or an increased risk of fractures among those who are depressed compared to those who are not. The mechanisms that underlie this relationship are still not known.”
God is wise. God made us, so “the mechanisms that underlie this relationship are” known to Him.
So back to the first part of Proverbs 17:22 about the happy heart. I need to be happy. We need to be happy. Here’s Scripture to support that:
John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Read full chapter1 Peter 4:14
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Read full chapterJohn 15:10-11
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Read full chapterLuke 24:45-53
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Read full chapterThe last thing we know about the shepherds in Jesus’ birth story is that they were praising God. The angel had told them that a Savior, Christ the Lord had been born.
Since the shepherds were so excited about Jesus, I wonder if they sought updates on Him. Maybe they were even present for Jesus’ celebratory entry to Jerusalem. Going from Bethlehem to Jerusalem would be about six miles.
Even if the shepherds weren’t at Jerusalem during that time of praise, they’re surely in Heaven praising Him. As we head into the New Year, let’s share the past and likely current enthusiasm of the shepherds for Jesus!
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