Melissa Whitaker, Service Coordinator for 9:00 Kindergarten/1st Grade Kid Fusion
I am always amazed by how there is so much to be learned in Proverbs in the few words of each verse. A few Proverbs in these chapters spoke to me, personally, and I’m going to focus on them.
One of my favorite Proverbs is found in 17: 22. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” It is not always easy to have a positive outlook, but having a positive outlook is really a choice that a person makes. In my own life, I have found that when I make this decision to be cheerful, I think clearly and I’m more productive. At times, however, this choice is definitely difficult to make. Sometimes, I have uncontrollable, external trials in my life. Life gets tough, and I think, “How can I be positive at a time like this?” It is during these times that I like to remember Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and our safe.” It is this verse that helps me keep my perspective from crumbling when life gets consumed with challenges.
My prayer today is that you will also be reminded that you have a refuge in God, and that He is “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
SOLID 
Thanks for sharing today Melissa,
I agree, that being cheerful is a choice & while we can’t choose what circumstances will come our way, we can choose how we will react to them.
He is our Strong Tower & with the help of His Spirit within, we can stand up to anything.
I love your comment “He ‘sticks closer than a brother’ “. My father would always say that your closet friends will fail you but He will never fail you.
Good devotion
Thank you Melissa this is a great reminder. Nicely said.
When I was 18 years old and in my Freshman year of college, my English teacher would begin every class with these words,
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
I believe that the King James Version of Proverbs 18:21 renders a robust meaning of the Proverb with the word “Death” starting it. The power of the tongue is truly two fold and the result of our choice in words and conversation become the staples of our life. Yes, I attended a Christian college being presented with a Christian Worldview. Ms. Arnold was a missionary before teaching the English language and sadly past away last year. I will always cherish this verse and give thanks for Ms. Arnold’s life which bore the fruit of Life.