This wise saying is all about perspective. “The oppressed” are not bad people, just folks going through tough times and for whom “all the days…are wretched.”
Life isn’t always fair. And being someone who never seems to get a break is just a terrible place to be. Yet, living under such circumstances for extended periods is a reality for so many.
But, “the cheerful heart has a continual feast” is also true. In fact, it’s absolutely amazing how much good a positive attitude can do.
So the real question is – can the second half of this verse actually work in the midst of the first half of the verse?
I believe the answer is yes! Admittedly, while I’ve had my share of struggles and disappointments, I’ve never personally lived extensively as one “oppressed.”
But here at Helping Up Mission, I’m in the midst of lots of guys who have. And their expert testimony is a resounding YES!
The ability to start focusing on God and what He can do in my life…and quit focusing on people, places and things leads to an incredible new attitude.
And most of us know that such a positive attitude so easily leads to different actions which can really produce different situations — which changes everything.
Both parts of this wise saying are true — but I’m happy to report that the second half trumps the first, every time. It works if you work it!