by David Chadwick

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

What great truths are found in Proverbs 17:22! Let's take a look at them today.

The first truth is that a joyful heart is good medicine. Other translations say a cheerful heart is good medicine. What is the primary lesson here? Choose joy! Seek to focus on what is positive. Raise your faith. Focus on God's goodness. Remember all God's benefits to you! Choose to believe that everything will work out for good.

Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Philippians 4:8 says we are to fix our eyes on, to think about, and to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. There is a reason why God tells us to do these things! Because there is a clear correlation between what we focus on with our minds and how it consumes our hearts, and thus affects our entire being.

The second truth is that if you have a crushed spirit, it can actually dry up the bones and cause poor health. Secular studies even show this truth.

We are body, soul, and spirit. If your spirit is crushed, it can affect your physical health. If your body is struggling, your mind can be affected. And so on, and so forth. We are interdependent beings.

So, how do you deal with a crushed spirit? The best way is to count your blessings. Each day. If necessary, write them down.

Meditate on Psalm 103:3-5. Don't forget all of the benefits of salvation. Give thanks in all things. This helps you to choose joy and experience the good medicine that comes from it. As a result, your spirit will not just survive but thrive, and your physical health–your bones–won't ever dry up.

For more encouragement, check out the song Choose Joy by Parker Robinson as mentioned in today's podcast! To listen on Spotify, click here. To listen on Apple Music, click here.