This message by Sister Connie Keyohara is so wonderful!!! Thank you Sister!
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
The message version: A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
There have been studies done on the effects anger can have on your body, the toll it can take. Here is a recent study. There were actually tons of them, I chose only one, for times sake.
Chronic anger can increase your heart-attack and stroke risk. It can also weaken your immune system. Unhealthy episodes of anger — when you hold it in for long periods of time, turn it inward, or explode in rage and can wreak havoc on your body. Sometimes you might start to feel better, but anger can cause a flare-up in your ailment.
Blood pressure rises and now you’re health is at risk. All the studies point to anger causing you to feel ill. I’ve been there and I understand how quick it can happen. I have found a way to try to change this though. Let’s go to scripture to figure this out.
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13
The Hebrew word merry means a rejoicing and glad heart.
Dry bones are brittle bones, easily broken. A crushed spirit dries up the bones.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” Phil. 4:4.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17.
Joy should be our character. We want Others to see and share our joy in the Lord. Joy is the second attribute of the fruits of the Spirit. Jesus says in John 15 that one of the reasons that he came is so that His joy may be in us and so that our joy may be full. We are called to rejoice in the Lord, and not just some times but ALWAYS!
I’m not going to tell you that you’ll never be sad. But you shouldn’t Allow the sadness to dominate you. The author of Hebrews tells us that it was for the joy that was set before him that Jesus endured the cross.
Seek God, pray and be thankful! A happy heart comes from giving thanks and counting ones blessings.
My prayer for you today is that you would have the joy of the Lord.
Many blessings,
