I think ...

“I am thinking, and my thoughts are making my body heavy.”

Do you recognize this? That sometimes your thoughts hold you back?

In this episode ofThe Chosen, you see Philip and Andrew traveling together and reflecting on their visit to Decapolis. Things there turned out completely differently than they had expected, and a kind of gloom overtakes Andrew. He starts walking slower and slower, and Philip points it out to him. Andrew’s many thoughts weigh him down—but of course, that doesn’t help.

What I often find so fascinating is the clarity of the Bible. The simplicity and honesty, but also the deep insight. Today’s verse is a great example of this:

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

You don’t need to be a doctor to sense the truth of this. Andrew struggles with heavy thoughts. What kinds of thoughts do you have?

To connect this to our own lives: we’ve probably all had a project, experience, situation, or—like Philip and Andrew—a “Decapolis” that left us feeling heavy and discouraged.

So how do you cultivate a cheerful heart in the midst of that?

That’s a big question for a short devotional, but I think of two things that can help:

1. Tell Jesus what’s on your mind.

He knows how to handle it. You don’t have to carry it alone! Ask Him to give you His perspective on your situation so your thoughts are filled with what is true.

Dare to release what’s weighing you down to Him.

And keep doing so if you find yourself taking it back. Maybe He won’t provide a solution right away, or His answer might look different than what you wanted or expected. Even then, keep reaching out to Him and trust in His love and care.

2. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Bring everything that occupies your mind before Him, and focus on what you can see of Him today. Thank Him for it. Write down what you’re grateful for on a note, stick it on the fridge, or tuck it into your Bible. You don’t deny what you’re going through, but you shift your focus. That brings joy and gratitude, despite everything.

Think about your place in God’s family and how you got there. Think about your Savior. Think about your future and who you’ll share it with. Think about Jesus. I find that when I focus on Him, my worries grow smaller, and joy and gratitude fill my heart.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Take the following questions with you to reflect on:

• Have you ever experienced this verse personally? When?
• What did you do at that time?
• Are there things you would do differently now? Why?

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, some things are just too heavy to carry alone. Sometimes I worry about … [be specific], and it doesn’t do me any good. Today, I want to lay this situation before You again, and leave it with You. Fill me with Your Shalom, Lord—Your peace. And as I look to You, Lord, fill my heart with joy and gladness. I am a grateful person. You are good. Amen.”