A Smile a Day…

We are all familiar with the phrase:  “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.   This quote apparently originated in Wales during the 19th century.  Apples are good for you.  They contain Vitamin C and reportedly help to lower cholesterol.  Proverbs 17:22 also lists something that has “medicinal” value:

A merry heart does good, like medicine,  But a broken spirit dries the bones.

I think that a merry heart is even better for you than an apple.  We know that our attitude and emotional state are linked very closely to our physical health.  Some quantity of depression and anxiety has its root in something other than biology.  That’s what the second part of the proverb warns.  A broken spirit dries the bones.  A despondent heart can literally make you physically sick.

I believe that true joy and true peace are found in a relationship with the living God.  Just like an apple doesn’t “guarantee” good health, neither does a relationship with God.  We cannot take this proverb as a guarantee but the principle is still very, very true.

So, look to God for your joy.  Look to Him for your peace.  A smile a day can keep the doctor away…and there are no co-pays either!

In wisdom,
Eric

 

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