A joyful heart is good medicine. – Proverbs 17:22
Health experts agree with the writer of Proverbs. A New York Times article stated, “Studies have shown an indisputable link between having a positive outlook and health benefits like lower blood pressure, less heart disease, better weight control, and healthier blood sugar levels.”
That does not mean a person with a healthy attitude never experiences sadness and grief, but that resilience is the key. Bouncing back after a loss or tragedy is important to overall health. As a follower of Christ, joy comes from the foundation of knowing who you are, with respect to who God is. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called the children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1).
There are ways to develop a positive attitude, even in the midst of a crisis. Acknowledge who God is and who you are in Christ. Worship Him, even if you do not feel like it. Keep a journal, giving thanks for blessings and His answers to your prayers. Look at stressors from God’s perspective – nothing is impossible with Him. Be thankful to God for your personal strengths and accomplishments. Be kind and appreciate the kindness of others toward you. Release the past and any worries about the future to His care. Maintain a sense of humor. Smile!
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Delight in the Lord. Pray for the unity and joy of the Church. Pray that the believers’ joy will be a beacon through the darkness of this world. Pray for citizens and elected officials of the United States to find joy in the Lord.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 103:1-14
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
