Be of Good Cheer

Some monks were running low on funds, but didn't want to close up their monastery. After much consideration, they decided to start selling the flowers they grew. Soon after opening up shop, business boomed, much to their delight. They had plenty of cash now for burlap and oatmeal and everything else good monks need.

Unfortunately, the town already HAD a flower shop. The disgruntled owner of the rival store tried everything -- having discount sales, spreading slander about the monks, and even poisoning the monks' flower beds. Unfortunately, they'd been blessed and nothing could stop their little business.

Finally, the rival shop owner sought out a man rumored to “fix things”: Hugh. No one knew his last name, just that he got the job done, no questions asked. After the appropriate amount of money had changed hands, Hugh went over to the friars' place, thoroughly beat them silly, and then destroyed their flower beds.

The next day, the monks promptly boarded up the windows and closed shop permanently, thus proving that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.

Did I hear a groan? Come on! A cheerful look brings joy to the heart… (Proverbs 15:30a) It’s a new year ….. Be of good cheer!

A pearl to string: To the paralytic man lying helpless on a bed, Jesus proclaimed, “Be of good cheer” (Matthew 9:2). To the frightened Apostles battling the tempestuous sea, Jesus appeared on the water, declaring, “Be of good cheer” (Matthew 14:27).

How does the Lord’s admonition of cheer sound when it is applied to you and me in our world today? When economic uncertainties, terrorist threats, and corruption provide top stories for the evening news where is the cheer? When we experience personal loss in so many ways and on so many days, what is left to be cheerful about? When Christ proclaims, “Be of good cheer,” He is not requesting a naive, Pollyanna-like response to life’s harsh twists and turns. Nor is He promising a pain-free life of constant happiness. The cheer Jesus speaks to comes from a deep trust in God’s unfolding purposes. “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

As the mother hen covers her chicks with her wings, so the Redeemer will surround us with His all-embracing power if we will come to Him (see Matthew 23:37).

There is room under those wings for all of us.
You are loved,
Lyndi