The wise man proclaimed, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). This is God’s ancient divine testimony to the dual treatment of man’s sickness, a merry heart and medicine. God has made the human mind in such a special way that what we think has a powerful influence on how we feel! Bodily health is often affected, either positively or negatively, by the “heart” (mind). “The tune in one’s heart helps to determine the tone of one’s health” (Brownlow 13). The Bible records much about joy, the positive effects of it and how to obtain it.
Consider the facts. “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13). “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15). God is the continual source of real, lasting joy. That joy lifts, builds and causes the very countenance of man to be healthy (Psalm 43:5). Our “merry heart” is only really merry by means of Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:4)! Why are so many in the world so downtrodden and downcast? Few really know Christ!
Consider secondly the formula. Even those who profess to know Christ are far too often sad and despondent. The old adage, “garbage in, garbage out,” certainly applies in the arena of a “merry heart.” Our thoughts affect our feelings. Paul gave a divine formula for lasting joy and good feelings when he penned, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Upon what do you center the majority of your thoughts? Maybe if you are feeling poorly, it may be that you are thinking poorly.
The story is told of a farmer who had passed from this world, leaving behind his widow and five little children. One world had ended for them, but the mother opened another with the view that they had God above, the soil beneath and each other at their side. As the years passed, it was quite evident that this family was going to be fine. Those five children grew up to be faithful Christians, beneficial members of society, and overall healthy and happy individuals. When asked how she accomplished such a daunting task, she attributed ultimately the success to God along with three special ingredients: love, cheerfulness and hard work. She affirmed that love displaced any bitterness and resentment that arose. Cheerfulness was the attitude with which each day was faced. She said that singing and smiles helped to accomplish some of the most difficult tasks. She also attributed hard work as a benefactor to her task. “She put inspiration into her children and took perspiration out of them” (Brownlow 20).
Sometimes we fall into the “pit of despair” and allow our hearts to become miserable instead of merry. Sure doom and depression are ahead, if we allow this to occur. Maybe we each could benefit from self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). What does your heart reveal? Think about it.
Works Cited
Brownlow, Leroy. Better Than Medicine. Fort Worth: Brownlow, 1967.
