02/05/08

Mind and Body

Proverbs 14:30 - A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

There is a field of medicine called "Psychosomatic Medicine." That big word comes from psychos (soul) and soma (body) and it refers to the fact that the condition of one's mind can affect the body for illness or for health. Hardly any principle in medicine is better recognized than that our attitude can help or hinder the healing process.

There was a person who used to work in a cancer hospital and he remarked on the patients he was acquainted with who were bitter, negative, and had terrible outlooks. 'Did the cancer contribute to the attitude - or did the attitude contribute to the cancer'. We must readily admit that a serious disease is scary, but as we face such a health problem we also need to place our cares and fears in the hands of God and trust him completely. We may die from our disease - He has never promised us that believers will become immune to the ailments of life, He has even warned us that problems may come. But the believer possesses hope that endures and according to his faith makes even the most serious problem merely a road marker on the way to eternal life.


[ Prayer Starter ]

O Lord, we know that life is full of difficulties and that our bodies are subject to the vagaries of old age and sickness, as we fight sin. Keep us strong in our faith that You are with us no matter how tough the going becomes. I ask this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)