“All the days of the afflicted are evil:but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”

 Who are the “afflicted?”  In pondering that question,a flood of ideas raced though my head.  I recalled how each one of us is born “afflicted” due to the sinful disposition we inherited from Adam.  Sadly,many people remain in this state because they never receive the forgiveness and healing available to them through Jesus Christ.  Consequently,they forfeit a heavenly hope to sustain them beyond an earthly grave.  A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the only remedy for the afflicted hearts of fallen humanity.

 I thought of moms and dads who’ve been deeply wounded by the hardships of life or by the destructive aberrant decisions and actions of their children.  I think of families facing the uncertainties and fears of life-threatening illnesses.  I think of husbands and wives who’ve lost their life-long friends in each other.  I think of the single mothers and fathers who are so overwhelmed with life they have no idea of what to do or where to turn.     

In this passage,the word “afflicted,” conveys the idea of “depression.”  More specifically,it describes one who is “downcast” or “browbeaten” by the injuries of life.  I would be dishonest if I didn’t admit that I’ve been “downcast’ and “browbeaten” by life.  I have walked through dark valleys where it was difficult to even lift my head let alone believe that God could change my situation.  However,looking back,I realize it was during those “valley times” I was taught the invaluable lesson  that no matter what,as a child of God,I have a standing invitation to continually feast at the banqueting table of the Lord.  The psalmist reminds me that God,even in the midst of my enemies,“prepares a table before me” (Psalm 23:5).        

Many times the adverse circumstances of my life have appeared to be bigger than God.  Further,they have seemed to possess the power to nullify His promises.  But this simply is not so!  One of the first things I do when facing life’s looming giants is sing.  One of the first choruses to come to mind is one that reminds me of the limitless ability of God:      

He is able,more than able

To accomplish what concerns me today

He is able,more than able

To handle anything that comes my way

He is able,more than able

To do much more than I could ever dream

He is able,more than able

To make me what He wants me to be

( c1989 Maranatha Music:Rory Noland and Greg Ferguson)

Great strength and comfort are mine when I remember the simple fact that GOD IS ABLE.  It is faith in God’s ability that lifts my head and causes me to look to Him.  He alone is my help!  Only God can hold yesterday,today and tomorrow all at the same time.  When I live in the present-tense reality of this fact,my afflicted and fainting heart is at once renewed with a heaven-born hope.

The opposite of an afflicted heart is a merry heart.  What exactly is a “merry heart?”  A merry heart is a heart filled with the peace and joy of God.  It is a heart completely at rest in His sovereign hands.  A merry heart is a heart that has found serenity in the calming assurance of a Savior;a Savior Who not only promises eternal life in a day to come but also promises abundant life in the here and now.        

A “merry heart” does not imply some surreal state marked by spiritual giddiness nor does it suggest the absence of difficulty or strain.  Rather,it implies that God’s children,regardless of what they face in life,can be certain that all is well because God is God and He can be trusted implicitly.        

Everyone who names Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord,is invited by God,no matter the circumstance,to sit at His table for a “continual feast.”  In the Hebrew language,this phrase indicates a state of “continual refreshment.”  Figuratively,this verse suggests that in the face of life’s most difficult situations,God’s children can pull up their chairs to His banqueting table to be refreshed in heart,soul,mind and strength.  Furthermore,they can do so on a continual basis.  King Solomon wrote,“He has taken me to his banquet hall,and His banner over me is love” (Song of Songs 2:4).  The love of the Lord is deep and His ways are gracious.  

Will you allow the Lord to lift your downcast head,refresh your barren life and bring peace to your afflicted soul?   God has prepared a special place at His table just for you.  Will you take your seat?  The Apostle Paul wrote that “times of refreshing” (Acts 3:19) come to those who repent and return to the Lord.  Will you turn from the distractions of life that afflict your heart and find your place at the Lord’s Table of refreshment?           

The Lord awaits your arrival.  The Lord says “Come.”