“So I realised that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12 (GNT)
Cultivate in the context of a land means to prepare and use. Cultivate, in the context of a skill or quality, means to try to acquire or develop, as defined in the Oxford Dictionary. Let’s combine these two concepts in relation to joy.
Prepare to obtain joy. Where does joy reside? Joy resides in our hearts. So we speak of the preparation of the heart, the readiness of the heart, the activation, the stirring up of the heart so we, as well as others around us, can benefit, resulting in a better world — a world of goodness and peace.
Sometimes, the heart requires purging and de-weeding so that it is open and well prepared for obtaining joy. Thus, bitterness, envy, selfishness, and things contrary to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) need to be cleansed so as not to hinder growth and the spread of God’s love.
Our hearts must be kept malleable by having pure thoughts and a loving heart — a heart ready to receive the joy that fulfillment in life brings. Don’t you want to experience and share that joy?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the joys in life and for the peace that You have given us. Soften and purify our hearts so that we may experience Your blessings of joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Nehemiah 8:10; Romans 15:13
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:153-160; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:1-10; Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 2; Ezekiel 3