Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
This passage of scripture contains a great spiritual truth which directly affects our health in the temporal and spiritual realms. It tells us that feelings of joy and happiness are directly linked to the health of our bones, and conversely, the discouragement and depression that affects millions of people can actually lead to osteoporosis. After David had committed the grievous sin with Bathsheba, and then the additional wrong of slaying her husband, he went into a period of deep depression which affected the health of his bones literally, and as he observed the effect it was having on his health, he was moved to write the sacred truth contained in the above passage of scripture. Let's read:
Psalms 32:2 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
Psalms 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. 4 For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
Modern science has now confirmed this sacred truth of God's word that was written thousands of years ago, for it has now been proven by medical research and scientific studies, that there is a direct link between depression and osteoporosis. When a person harbors guilty feelings for sins committed, or when feelings of remorse, anger or hatred are perpetuated in a person's mind, these conditions then cause the bones to break down and become feeble and brittle, hence the reason why any medical professional will tell their patients that a positive attitude towards life, and happy feelings of joy and laughter, do much more to aid in a person's recovery than many people realize.
There are valid reasons why the Bible teaches us to accept God's gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and to cultivate a conscience void of offense before God and our fellow men, for this state of mind not only frees us from the burdens of guilt and remorse, but it has a direct bearing on our literal health. As the stains of sin are removed from our consciences, feelings of joy and hope take over, and the result is peace and contentment, which then ultimately affects our health. Let's read:
Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
In our day there are millions of people, even amongst Christians who are carrying a heavy burden of guilt, on account of sins that have been committed in former years, and as a result, many people have now resorted to mind altering drugs to alleviate a nagging depression. Many individuals are now hooked on these medicines that offer some temporary relief but which are incapable of removing the knowledge and effects of sin. That's why God makes an urgent appeal to all who have not yet accepted of His forgiveness and grace, to find pardon, and healing of mind and body through the sacrifice and merits of The crucified and risen Savior.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us all to find that restoration of joy, peace, and contentment that can only be found in Christ. Let's read:
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
May the God of heaven grant us that joy which the world cannot give nor take away, both now and forevermore. "Good night" and God bless!