Proverbs 17:22, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength." There is a connection between our thoughts and our physical health. Doctors have determined that when a person smiles, his body produces up-lifting hormones (endorphins). A simple smile will immediately improve your feelings. Try it right now. Do you feel a difference? There is a direct connection between our thoughts, feelings, and our bodies. Proverbs 23:7(NKJV), "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."
Anxious, sad, or angry thoughts also impact our physical health. Think about your body's reaction when you are fearful or hopeless. You feel tired, achy, and lack energy. Although we cannot always be cheerful, especially when we have trials, we can still choose to view an experience from God's perspective. The Apostle Paul and Silas sang hymns after they had been beaten and were in prison. Acts 16:22-25, people joined in the "attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully…he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God." Paul and Silas rejoiced in their privilege to suffer for Christ's sake. Their singing improved their spirits and helped to lessen their pains.
Summary: Our thoughts and feelings have a direct impact on our bodies. Let us try to focus on the good and it will result in more peace, happiness, and health. (See Philippians 4:4-9.)
