One of our children consistently has a dejected spirit every morning, without fail.  It isn’t easy to deal with this persistent attitude first thing in the morning.  When this happened again this morning, I took the time to talk to her.  Proverbs 17:22 came to mind, which says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

She knows this particular verse very well.  In fact, she even knows how to sing it.  Thanks to Steve Green’s Hide Em In Your Heart CD.  I sang the “Joyful Heart” song which is based on Proverbs 17:22 to her this morning and carefully explained that a broken spirit, which she has EVERY morning, dries up the bones.  I proceeded to show her where her bones are by pressing down on her arms and legs.  Bones are everywhere in the body, including the face.  If we continue to have a broken spirit, the bones inside will dry up or die.  That’s a lot of dead bones!  However, the Bible says, if we have a joyful spirit, it’s like a good medicine.  Whenever we get sick, like getting a cold, we can take medicine which will make us feel better.  Likewise, a joyful spirit will make us better.  I asked her whether she wants to have the good medicine or dead bones.  It was quite obvious at this point that the right and wise answer is a joyful spirit.  After this discussion, she was able to gather her broken spirit and turn it to a joyful spirit.

I’m very grateful for Steve Green’s song, especially this particular verse.  How appropriate! The Scriptures, even set to music, are very appropriate and useful in teaching our children.  Thank God for his provision!