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Why We Should Strive for a Cheerful Spirit

 Ugh. The three letter word that can turn a great day into a rough one. In fact, I woke up feeling that way today. I had so many plans this week. Good plans that didn’t just benefit me. I was so discouraged. Why now? Why not last week when I was already at home for most of the week?


I’ve heard people tell me that it’s important to be careful with the words I use. In particular, the way I speak them because if I say something destructive it could tear someone down. On the flip side of that I have to remember that I need to speak kind words to myself, too. If I don’t I not only bring myself down but everyone else during the course of my day. So instead of getting mad at myself for things out of my control like getting sick I need to refocus and realize that even though a situation like that is a surprise to me that it isn’t to God. Yes, He created my emotions and feelings so that doesn’t mean I can’t be disappointed when plans change unexpectedly. However, it does mean that I need to shift my mindset. I shouldn’t have a crushed spirit as Proverbs puts it. As a Christian the way I react is an example for others in how I believe Christ would want me to respond to good or bad circumstances. 



What’s your ‘ugh’ and how can you change your mindset so that it’s uplifting for you and those around you rather than having a negative outlook?


Memory verse

Proverbs 17:22


“A cheerful heart is good medicine,

 but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”


Reminder

Be kind to yourself so you can be kind to others. 


Written September 13 2021


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