A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:13 NIV
Life to the Body
Engaging in a certain level of physical activity, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, decreased alcohol consumption and smoking all contribute to a lower risk of mortality (including premature death) and chronic diseases such as liver disease, COPD, certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. From 2015 to 2021, the proportion of Canadians aged 12 years and older who met physical activity guidelines (56.9% to 53.9%) and consumed more than five fruits and vegetables per day (31.5% to 21.8%) declined.
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There is no doubt that our emotions play a part in our overall health. The Bible often speaks to this – our Creator knows that when we are in a good place spiritually and emotionally, we are often in better health physically. At this time of the year, when Canadians are enjoying long hours of sunlight, it’s hard to remember those short, dark days of winter, but many deal with seasonal affective disorder at that time of the year. This has always been so, and King Solomon speaks to this in Proverbs 15:13: “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” Jesus came to transform the lives of all who put their faith and trust in Him. He replaces our pain with His healing, our sin with His righteousness, our guilt with His forgiveness, our concern with His peace. It is only in Him that we can have a happy heart. And that affects our entire being. When you are facing heartache, let Jesus carry your heart. Let His Spirit fill your spirit. In Him you will find the balm for which your needy soul longs. Your face will show His work in your heart.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley