If you haven’t noticed on facebook, all of us folks here in the Midwest have been calling Mr. Groundhog a big, fat liar. I’m not sure if it’s really his fault or if we’ve been the victims of some cosmic April Fool’s prank, but after being teased with Spring, our Winter carried right over into April. April, folks!!
As a mama of four rambunctious children, we are beyond ready for afternoons of outdoor play! In fact, it’s so tempting to use the weather (snow followed by lots and lots of rainy, dreary days) as an excuse for a bad attittude.
But this year I’m learning to be more steadfast.
I don’t want the weather, or my busy schedule, or life’s disappointments, or wild-with-energy disobedient children to dictate my own emotions any longer. Instead, I want to find my joy and strength in the Lord, maintaining the calm confidence that comes from Him alone.
Do you want that, too, friend? A steady spirit? A faith that doesn’t waver at every little wave that rocks the boat?
Here are a few simple ways to keep life from stealing the joy that is rightfully ours in the Lord.
10 Simple Ways to Maintain a Cheerful Heart
1. Abide in the Vine.
Nothing brings more joy than being right with our Creator, which makes sense. God Almighty is our very source of life, so avoiding Him literally sucks life from us!
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NASB)
On the other hand, when we spend time focused on Him, we get an infusion of life, and with it, joy – it just bubbles right over and onto everyone around us!
2. Listen to Music.
For some that might be Christian Radio and for others, classical music, classic rock – whatever it is that gives your soul wings. For those days when you really need a dose of biblical truth set to song, I highly recommend this album by Casting Crowns or this one by Sidewalk Prophets.
3. Take Care of Your Physical Body.
I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me more grumpy than skipped meals or a lack of sleep. In addition, this year I’ve noticed that consistent exercise helps me more than I realized before. I feel less stressed after working out and happier! And let’s not even talk about how not good I feel when I overeat (0r eat too much junk)…
The science behind taking care of our bodies doesn’t lie, but even more, we have a biblical mandate to care for God’s temple!
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:19-20 (NASB)
I’m sharing over at my friend’s place – Sharing Redemption’s Stories. Follow me over to read the rest of this article by clicking this link or the image below. And if you find this helpful, don’t forget to share. 🙂 Thanks, friends!
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Jen, exercise is so key for me. It helps me physically, mentally and emotionally. I love this post, for it is full of truth. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you, Leah. Since I have been exercising about an hour a day, 4-5 days a week, I find that if I miss a few days, my body actually craves it! I just feel yucky and out of sorts until I get some activity in. And I do find that it definitely boosts my mood, so sometimes if I’m feeling extra grumpy, I’ll go for a walk. I usually come back much happier. 🙂