Joyful Hearts

Sleepless nights come in many flavors - restless babies, sickness ... uh, a full moon. Some such nights, however, are self-prescribed - too much caffeine, fear or worry. In Psalm 4, David speaks words that [when applied] put every troublesome night to an end; "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:7-8). No doubt, like us, David struggled against the enemies' threats, those joy-stealers: anger, bitterness, anxiety, discouragement, worry, fear, etc. Ultimately, he acknowledges the joy God gives so freely to the welcoming heart is far superior than all threats. God confirms "a joyful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22). That blessed joyfulness brings peace and rest to our days and nights! We are wise to open our hearts for a healthy dose of God's Joy - it's good for the heart!