THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 30TH APRIL 2025, WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 30th April 2025 written by Emily Marszalek (Idaho, USA)
TOPIC: A Cheerful Heart
Today’s Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
I began noticing a distinct link between the condition of my heart and mind and the condition of my physical body. When I was stressed, I got headaches. When I was frustrated, my neck and shoulders ached. When I was worried, my heart pounded in my chest, leading to sleepless nights. Not only were negative emotions harming my spirit, but they were functioning as a potent poison to my physical being.
Reading Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” I began thinking of ways to have a more cheerful heart. Would a more cheerful heart positively impact my physical body? I asked myself.
I began spending time with God each morning, listing things for which I was grateful. On the drive to work, instead of formulating a to-do list for the office, I listened to praise and worship music. In moments of frustration when it seemed everything was going wrong, I deliberately focused on just one thing going right.
Over time as I embraced these simple new habits, I began to enjoy a more peaceful, grateful, and joyful heart. And with that cheerful heart — like the good medicine it is — I felt stronger, healthier, and more energized.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, help us to possess more gratitude in our hearts, exuding thankfulness and joy in all situations. Amen.
Thought for the Day
What is one thing I can do today to adopt a more cheerful heart?
Prayer Focus
Those with stress-induced ailments
The Upper Room Devotional 30 April 2025, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More