Heart Medicine

One of my dear physician-friends wrote a book entitled “The Body Reveals.” He began his medical career as a general surgeon then studied to become a cardiovascular surgeon. One day while we were talking, he said, “Larry, the most disturbing part of my practice is that I cannot get people to look at their lives - what they are doing to themselves. People think they can do anything they want and then go to a physician for a prescription or some surgery and all of their problems will be corrected. That’s not the way we work. There’s a connection between our bodies and our minds and we are very complex beings, because of the way God made us.”

There’s an intimate and complex connection between our hearts and bodies. Remember – God’s Word reminds us that our hearts contain emotions, values, goals, desires – the “sum total of who we are.” And, Solomon said it so well: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This is the only time the word medicine is used in the Old Testament.

One’s “peace of mind” directly affects our ability to maintain a life of wellness. Conversely, a “troubled mind” makes it difficult, if not impossible, to be healthy, and beyond that, to regain our health once we lose it. The most important lesson for us to learn from this verse is that “God is in control.” Whatever is, is a gift from Him to us and He is somewhere “in” that gift. He is at work in our lives shaping us to into His image. We must always remember that He will never leave or forsake us.

Prayer:  Lord, life is difficult. Sickness comes, doubts arise, suffering hurts. Grant us strength, peace and hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.