3,22 “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts ... A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:3,22 (NASB)
Are you interested in improving some area of your life?
In Proverbs 17, God has two stellar things to say on the subject of improvement. One regards performance and the other regards health. Let's take a look.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE (Proverbs 17:3): Crucibles and furnaces are designed to remove impurities from silver and gold. They really do the job. They make metals purer, better, ready for full use.
What's designed to make us better? The Word says that the one sure thing that makes you and me better is THE LORD! His presence makes the difference. He makes us the best we can be. Submitting ourselves to Him and to His coaching is worth it.
Here's a few brief tips:
- Ask God to test you, to define what needs to get better. Don't just live self-taught.
Stick with His good coaching. Don't fire this Coach. Consult Him constantly. Live by the Spirit.
Keep in step.
- Forgive like God forgives in Christ. And press on like Jesus.
- Celebrate personal victories with Him. Thank Him.
IMPROVED HEALTH (Proverbs 17:22): At any given time we can feel crushed, overwhelmed and unhealthy, like the life is squeezed out of us. It can happen physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
God offers a great recipe when we're crushed: Cultivate a CHEERFUL HEART. It heals us, it improves our health more than we think. It works.
Here are a few tips on growing cheer:
Choose cheer. Joy is a choice. Dance in the rain.
Introduce merriment into your day. Do something playful every day. Program fun. Make sure to include others.
Look to laugh. The day is wasted in which we have not laughed.
Smile. Those muscles need a daily workout. When they do get a great workout, they have a way of affecting every other part of us too.
Give thanks. A cheerful heart is a thankful heart.
Reflect: How's your performance going? Need any help? How's your health? Need any improvement? Are you confident in the LORD and cheerfulness to move you forward?
A prayer to consider: LORD, You make me better. You greatly impact my performance and my health. And You make me smile. Every time I look to you, I settle, refocus, improve. I love the amazing impact you have on me. Keep coaching me for my joy and Your glory. You're the best! Amen.
