*A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength*. Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) If you want to generate controversy, just begin a discussion about health care. People have strong opinions on affordability, availability and just about every other aspect of the topic. It is not my intention or desire to open this can of worms, but instead to remind us of a natural remedy that is found in the Bible. Unlike the medicine that we find advertised on television in which they spend more time warning us about the possible negative side effects then they do extolling the benefits, a cheerful heart has never been found to cause undesirable side effects. In fact, there is a growing amount of evidence that is strongly indicating a link between a cheerful happy outlook and attitude and better health. Not only do people with a cheerful heart stay healthier, but there seems to be a strong link between a person's attitude and how quickly they recover from major illness or surgery. Once again let’s see what Solomon has to say: *“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”* Proverbs 15:30 (NIV) It would be disingenuous for me to tell you that simply having a cheerful heart will prevent you from getting sick or that you will be immune from suffering, but if the Bible tells me that a cheerful heart is good medicine, I want to make sure that I have a full dosage and maybe even a double dosage. I want to be twice as cheerful and I also want to be contagious. I want to have the kind of cheerful heart that infects everyone around me. I am aware that for some people the idea of a cheerful heart seems so distant. Perhaps you are facing difficulties and trials, even some things that no one else knows about. Maybe you are discouraged that your life has not gone the way you planned. You tell people that Job had nothing on you when it comes to suffering and disappointment. Perhaps you relate to what Job *said; “If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales, they would outweigh all the sands of the sea.”* Job 6:2-3 (NLT) Sorrow does serve a good and beneficial purpose. It is impossible to live life without experiencing sorrow, suffering and pain at some point. The truth is, we most likely learn more about ourselves and about God in our times of testing than we do in our times of pleasure and enjoyment. Returning to the thought that a cheerful heart is good medicine, how can we be someone of good cheer? How do we get some of that medicine? Is there any way for us to be of good cheer even when our circumstances would seem to indicate otherwise. Again, is it possible to have a cheerful heart that is not affected by circumstances, but is solely focused on Christ? Listen to Peter, *“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”* 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV) At the root of having a cheerful heart is the understanding that God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to be our salvation. Our primary reason for having a cheerful heart is because of him. *“Every good and perfect gift comes from him.” “He is the wellspring of salvation.” “He is our peace, who has broken down every wall.” “He is the author and finisher of our faith.” “He is the Almighty and everlasting God.”* Just to name a few things that should begin to cheer our hearts. Life can be difficult for everyone at times, especially when we make wrong choices by attempting to do things our way. It is more difficult for some to have a cheerful heart, sometimes because of things beyond their control. However, when we put things in the perspective of eternity, it becomes clearer and easier to understand. It won't always be easy, but for the sake of others and for the sake of Christ who loved me so much, I want to endeavor to have a cheerful heart. And I know that I will be the greatest beneficiary of that choice.