A Merry Heart Is Good Medicine

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 13
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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A Merry Heart Is Good Medicine

A merry {rejoicing} heart doeth good like a medicine. Prov. 17:22 

The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate.
When one is affected the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind
affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of
the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression.
Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break
down the life forces and to invite decay and death.

Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the
imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only
thought so. . . . Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health
and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the
body and strength to the soul.

Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care-these
are health's greatest safeguard.

The power of the will and the importance of self-control, both in the
preservation and in the recovery of health, the depressing and even
ruinous effect of anger, discontent, selfishness, or impurity, and, on
the other hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be found in
cheerfulness, unselfishness, gratitude, should also be shown.

There is a physiological truth-truth that we need to consider-in the
scripture, "A merry {rejoicing} heart doeth good like a medicine."

The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of
inestimable happiness. 

We should encourage a cheerful, hopeful, peaceful frame of mind; for our
health depends upon our so doing. 

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 48, 49.