Cheer

I thought we could use some cheer this week. 

It seems like I’ve been surrounded by sad news lately.  Maybe you have been too.  At these times we surely can use some cheer.  I’m not saying that we should not take sad situations seriously, but we cannot get sucked into the melancholy that encircles them.  We need to remain solution-minded and expect positive outcomes in our lives and in those around us.

Biblically, the words “be of good cheer” are used meaning “take comfort” or “be of good courage” or “be bold”.  For example, Jesus said, “be of good cheer” to a man who was sick of the palsy, to the woman who touched the hem of his garment, and to his disciples when they were afraid.  He could say this because he knew there would be a positive outcome.  We must have the same confidence in our lives, not only for ourselves, but also for all those we care about and pray for. 

This shows us that cheer embodies comfort and courage.  These are essential for perseverance.  And perseverance is essential when facing negative situations.  We don’t always see a positive outcome right away.  Often the solution takes time.  So it is vital that we remain confident (be of good cheer) that we will indeed receive a successful resolution for ourselves and for those we care about and pray for.  And when we have that kind of confidence, we cannot be down-hearted.

After we receive the resolution of a negative situation, we rejoice, whether it’s our own success or the victory of someone we have been praying for.  This is also cheer.  Merriam Webster defines cheer as “to rejoice”, “to utter a shout of applause or triumph”, “to make glad or happy”.  Doesn’t it make sense that cheer begins with comfort and courage and results in triumphal rejoicing?  It all fits together! 

And if we follow this through, we see that we can be cheerful in our lives no matter what circumstances we face.  If it’s a difficult time, we can have comfort and courage, and if it’s a great time, we can rejoice.  Now, I’m not naive to think that we will never be sad in our lives.  We will have broken hearts, we will see loss, we will fail.  But no matter what happens, we can still have courage.  And if we never see the resolution to our problem, we can be comforted in knowing that we’re going to heaven and all hell can’t stop us.  And boy, won’t that be a time of rejoicing!! 

Being cheerful is an attitude we can foster by putting cheerful thoughts in our minds.  Not only thoughts of comfort and courage, but also thoughts of past successes and victorious stories, and most importantly thoughts of love.  We can remind ourselves of how much God loves us.  (He always has, and He always will)  We can remember the great love that Jesus Christ showed us by being our savior.  We can think of all the people that we dearly love.  When we have these thoughts, love will abound in our hearts, and when that happens, our positive believing is energized.  And it all culminates in thankfulness. 

When we’re thankful, our eyes are open to the blessings around us.  From the tiniest sign like the gentle flutter of a butterfly’s wings to beyond-belief miracles, God is always working for us.  With His mighty strength, He fights for us.  With His wealth of resources, He provides for us.  With all the love in His heart, He cares for us. 

No matter what is staring you in the face, be of good cheer.  God is ready, willing, and able to help you overcome any adversity.  Have courage because He is in your corner ready to fight for you.  His arms are outstretched to comfort you.  And when all is said and done, He has a home prepared for you in heaven.  Knowing these things certainly gives us the ability to be full of cheer.

John 16:33

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.

Note to my readers:  Cheers!  I am expecting great things for you!  Thanks for reading.