A Little Cheer

But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. Matthew 9:22

Cheer may be one of those words where we know what it is or is not, but have never tried to form a definition. "Be of good cheer," our Lord said to the woman. She had suffered long with her illness and it likely showed in her countenance. Jesus informed her that a change had come by first commanding a show of happiness, gratitude, relief, and peace - any of these can go into a feeling of cheer. She may even feel like shouting out her cheer to the glory of God. Cheer goes into Christmas so well that even those who refuse to celebrate it notice the effect it has on you and me. And in the face of tribulation that we will have in this world, Jesus reminds us to be of good cheer. (John 16:33) Cheer just seems to make us happy, and happiness makes us want to cheer. 

Sin may darken the world, but be of good cheer. Jesus returns soon!

Bucky