An Outbreak of Joy
A couple of weeks ago, out of the blue, Jason woke up on Monday morning covered head to toe in tiny red dots. By Friday, he resembled an itchy spotted giraffe! It turns out he had ingested something to which he had a severe allergic reaction. We still don’t know what it was, so hopefully, he won’t eat or drink it again!
Like most men, Jason doesn’t do well at being sick; thankfully, he’s not often ill. I felt so bad for him, stuck in bed, itchy and miserable. But despite his suffering, he mostly maintained an upbeat attitude.
It could have been different. Frustrated and kept from his work and ministry, Jason might have medicated stress with complaints, anxiety, and self-pity. If he’d chosen to stew in negativity, his cynicism could have also infected me, and I was having a hard enough time keeping it together.
Strangely enough, people spread bad moods faster than any rash. Hebrews 12:15 warns, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”
When trials hit, we make a choice: wallow in vain “why me” questions or trust God’s purpose despite the unknown. If we self-medicate pain with worldly salves like bitterness, anger, or lies, it turns contagious. But if we run to Christ as our Healer, His joy and peace spread just as vigorously!
The Bible says a merry heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). But the reverse proves true too, friends. A bitter heart makes misery contagious.
After a round of heavy-duty antihistamines, Jason’s skin calmed by the following week, though some marks still remain. His outward condition improved as the inward allergens decreased.
What about us, friends? Will we choose to medicate fears with damaging substances that infect others? Or will we ingest God’s Word, spread hope, and administer Christ’s healing salve to suffering souls?
Our world needs more laughter and joy, not less. As Jason illustrated, with faith and humor, one Spotted Giraffe can spark a wave of smiles. Let it begin with us!