A favorite movie of mine is Pollyanna. It tells the story of a young girl who, in sharing her “glad game,” helped a town of grumpy, gossiping, self-centered people transform into a loving, caring, and joyful community. It was effective for every person. As they found something to be glad about, it transformed their outlook on life, how they felt about other people, and even how they felt physically. My family has put this into practice and when something does not go as desired, we play the “glad game” and it always improves our perspective. This is true because it is a biblical concept. The Bible says that being joyful is like good medicine! (Proverbs 17:22)
That is a sweet little story, but does a glad word or grateful heart work even in the most difficult trials of life? Andrew Brunson, a Christian pastor held in a Turkish prison for two years, testifies that it does. In his transparency, he shares that he became severely depressed and despaired of life, but the day he determined to spend at least five minutes each day praising God and literally dancing before the Lord, his heart began to change and his spirits began to lift.
Apostle Paul’s life was full of trials. His long list is outlined in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. Yet, in Philippians chapter 4, Paul says he learned to be “content” in all circumstances. The key may be his exhortation earlier in that chapter to “rejoice in the Lord always.” But how is that possible? As a forgiven sinner like Paul, we have been spared the judgment we deserve; and we are the beneficiaries of everything needed for abundant life in Christ: love, forgiveness, peace, hope, and the promise of eternal life in the perfection of Heaven and the presence of Jesus! This should fill our hearts to overflowing with gratitude no matter what today holds.
Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 NASB
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices… Psalm 16:8-9
Authored by Amy Gordon