Beautiful Fragrance

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22) 
 
Have you ever had a friend or a person who lifts your spirits?
 
A person with a cheerful heart is kind, encouraging, and helpful.
 
They have an enthusiasm for the job at hand and zeal or zest for life.
 
They just seem to bring joy to those around them!! 
 
God’s word tells us that a joyful heart is good medicine because it heals the soul and mind. 

On the flip side, negativity and cruel words bring strife and destruction.
 
They can crush the spirit and dry up our bones.
 
And, the tribulations and trials of life can do that to us as well.
 
But, the Lord tells us that we are not meant to carry around burdens, hurts, and unforgiveness in our hearts.
 
Holding onto bitterness and anger will destroy us.
 
Did you know that to make perfume they have to crush the flowers? The process of perfume-making resembles what happens when we face hurts in our life.
 
But, God can use our pain and disappointments, trials, and suffering to create in us something beautiful! 
 
As you examine your heart, are you good medicine to those around you? Are you a beautiful fragrance to others? Can you trust God with your pain or hurt and allow His joy to heal you!? 
 
This devotion blessed me so much. I pray after reading it you are encouraged to ask yourself that very question. Are you good medicine to those around you? Are you a beautiful fragrance to others? Isaiah 61:3, …give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!