The Devil and A
Joyful Heart
 
There
is an old European story about a traveler who
came upon a barn where the devil had stored seeds
which he planned to sow in the hearts of people.
The
bags of seeds were variously marked "Hatred",
"Fear", "Doubt", "Despair",
"Unforgiveness", "Pride",
"Greed", etc.
The
devil appeared and struck up a conversation
with the traveler. He gleefully told the
traveler how easily the seeds he sowed sprouted
in the hearts of men and women.
"Are
there any hearts in which these seeds will not
sprout?" the traveler asked.
A
melancholy look appeared on the devil's face.
"These seeds will not sprout in the heart of
a thankful and joyful person", he confessed.
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble
with victory. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for
joy on their couches.
Psalm 149:4,5 RSV
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