Good Days and Bad
Be Strong, Be Well — Friday, April 24
News reports have been showing some of the positive things people are doing these days to spread good cheer. No matter how dire the circumstances, there are folks who always display a cheerful disposition. Instead of being anxious or negative, they’re busy finding ways to boost their own spirits and help others to do the same.
It shouldn’t surprise us to know such a thing is found in the Bible. Paul tells us to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). In that last verse, the ESV says, “give thanks in all circumstances…”
It’s easy to be happy when things are going well. But as circumstances turn to troubles and concerns in this life, it’s harder to be cheerful about things. But God wants us to try. The wise man said, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).
God wants us to know He sees everything we’re going through. He oversees this world we live in—good or bad. This doesn’t mean He causes the bad, but it is certain He will use it for our good. “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22).
Solomon wrote, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him” (Ecclesiastes 7:14).
We’re going to have good days and bad. Some circumstances will easily bring us joy, while others will bring us pain and sorrow. How we get through these rough times will depend on a positive outlook and strength from the Lord.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks.” —Chris