I recently read a newspaper article entitled, Happiness Helps Heart, Study Finds. It reported of a Harvard study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and published in the Psychological Bulletin. The article reported that the lead researcher, Julia Boehm of the Harvard School of Public Heath, found, “People with a better sense of well-being tend to have healthier blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, and are more likely to exercise, eat healthier, get enough sleep and avoid smoking.” It concludes, ‘that being upbeat and optimistic just may help protect against heart disease.”
(Speaking of protecting, there was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother. “Is there anything breakable in here?” asked the postal clerk. “Only the Ten Commandments.” answered the lady).
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Truth is, I could have saved the researchers a good deal of time and money by simply opening the Bible and showing them that their 'conclusion' was known for thousands of years. In the book of Proverbs (written sixth century BC) 17:22 we find:
“A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.” (The Message Bible)
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Again in Proverbs 15:30; “A twinkle in your eye means joy in your heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle.”
Another Proverb is 15:15; “A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.”
(A Jewish Rabbi and a Catholic Priest met at the annual 4th of July picnic. As old friends they began to banter. “This baked ham is delicious” the priest teased the Rabbi. “You really ought to try it. I know it’s against your religion, but I can’t understand why such a wonderful food should be forbidden. You haven’t lived until you tried Mrs hall’s prized Virginia Ham. Tell me Rabbi, when are you going to break down and try it?” The Rabbi looked at the priest with a grin and said, “At your wedding!”)
The Bible not only teaches that a ‘cheerful disposition is good for your health’, but it also teaches that true joy and happiness starts with having a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Once we have dealt with the problem of our sins through confession and repentance, the Bible declares in Romans 5:1;
“By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us-set us right with Him, make us fit for Him- we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus.”
It is a wonderfully peaceful and calming state to be in when you know you are right with God. That truth provides a joyful well-being and happiness regardless of circumstances.
(A young couple decided to invite the cranky old Baptist minister over to dinner. Upon his arrival their young son lead him into the kitchen. “So, what’s for dinner” the minister asked the young boy. “Goat.” replied the child. “Goat!” the minister said rather astonished. “Yes” the boy replied. “Dad said, ‘Today is as good as any to have that old goat for dinner.”) And you thought I'd leave out Baptists!
Smile - God loves you!
