Scripture for Today, 8-29-20: Merry Heart

Have the Joy of the Lord; Be 'Merry' but not Drunken
God says, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise..."Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. ... ​The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness."

Proverbs 20:1; Ephesians 5:6; Romans 1:18; Galatians 5:19-21; Ecclesiastes 10:1
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8-29-20, Sadly, many people find that they can only find joy and merriment in drugs and alcoholic beverages. God has much to say about the benefit of wine and avoidance of strong drink. Apostle Paul said:
"Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illness." 1 Timothy 5:23

However, God's word forbids drunkenness; although the Bible never says that alcohol itself is sinful, it does say many times that drunkenness is a sin.
There are many verses that speak against drunkenness: Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3

God tells us that a merry heart is good medicine. [Proverbs 17:22].

The USA is currently struggling to stop the hate filled riots and the world suffers misery under the Covid virus scare and subsequent lockdown.
We feel sadness as most people are wearing the awful face mask. We can’t even smile at one another – smiling at strangers usually gains a returned smile; now we've lost 'that merriment.’

Originally, to be merry did not simply mean to be mirthful, but strong and gallant – a double thought of might and mirth. The late great Rev Billy Graham* explained what the word ‘merry’ once meant:

“famous,” “illustrious,” “great,” or “mighty.”  =>

<=It was in this sense that:

• Gallant soldiers were called “merry men”
• Favorable weather was called “merry weather”
• Brisk winds were called a “merry gale”  

In Scripture one of the early Christmas carols was “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen.”  It’s essential to realize that true merriment of heart is contingent upon the recognition of the truth that Christ was born, died and arose for our salvation.
As Christians we are to engage in spiritual merriment and as we think upon the fact that, through redemption, we become a child of God’s family and this earth is not our home and someday Christ will take us out of here. So we should cheer up!
​*billygraham.org/devotion/what-does-merry-mean/

What is more 'foolish' than a person who keeps experiencing the sickness caused by drunkeness?
​2 Peter 2:22; Proverbs 26:11