Cheer Up
“Cheer up, things could be worse. So, I cheered up and sure enough, things got worse.” So goes the saying on a coffee mug I selected to start the day. At first glance this was a lot to process by an early morning Zombie. But as I sat there meditating on this thought, I couldn’t help but smile over the sarcasm. Ironically a bit of humor was intended, laced with candid truth. Sort of a tongue in cheek way I suppose to draw a smile amid a world full of harsh realities. This kind of cheer, or lack of, can identify our moment when we try to have a good attitude by cheering up. Then leaving us to think it will somehow guard us from further misfortune. At the same time, we return to question how to find cheer when things are getting worse.
Look Up
If this is the season you are in right now, it might help to look to the Apostle Paul, who can provide great encouragement. When he faced things he couldn’t fix, he learned to lean entirely on God’s sustaining grace, for we are made stronger in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Paul also shares with us that hardships can serve a purpose, as they actively produce endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5). Paul’s witness can be of further reassurance during our moments when things do get worse… with the fact that they are only momentary compared to the eternal value of our faith (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
When we channel our attention through the lens of these truths, it will transition the fear hidden in the humor of our morning coffee… to joy. The joy of knowing Christ is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). The joy found when we are also told not to fear, for He is always with us (Isaiah 41:10). So perhaps the way to look at this joy is not simply, “Cheer up.” But possibly, “Look up.”
Cheer When Things Get Worse
Look up from the mug, the mess, the morning news, the unresolved ache, and the unanswered questions. Jesus said we will have these troubles, and faith will not be easy. But amid these troubles, He assures us that we can overcome them through Him (John 16:33). That’s why we must look up to Him. Because that is the joy our hearts really need… not the fragile cheer that depends on the day improving, but the steady courage that comes from knowing Christ has already overcome what threatens to overwhelm us. Yes, circumstances may worsen, but God’s faithfulness does not weaken. Troubles may multiply, but so can endurance. The road may stretch longer than expected, but hope does not run dry when it is being poured into us by the Holy Spirit.
My friends, God sees our everyday moments when things are going awry (Proverbs 15:3), and He is right by our side when we are told, “Cheer up, things could be worse,” (Matthew 28:20). And sure enough, with Jesus’ eternal promise, those things will turn to joy, (Psalm 16:11).
Dear Lord, when things seem to be getting worse, turn my fear into trust and help me look up to the joy found in You.
Amen.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Romans 5:3-5
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Psalm 34:18
Isaiah 41:10
John 16:33
Proverbs 15:3
Matthew 28:20
Psalm 16:11
— Phil
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Today’s Scripture
2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul’s Visions and His Thorn
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Romans 5:3-5
Peace with God Through Faith
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Treasure in Jars of Clay
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Psalm 34:18
Taste and See That the Lord Is Good
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear Not, for I Am with You
“You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
John 16:33
I Have Overcome the World
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the LORD
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Matthew 28:20
The Great Commission
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Psalm 16:11
You Will Not Abandon My Soul
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.