Proverbs 17 v 22.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
In a Better Homes and Gardens article titled “Laugh Your Way To Good Health,” Nick Gallo made an observation that echoes what Solomon wrote thousands of years ago: “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17 v 22). Gallo said, “Humour is good medicine—-and can actually help to keep you in good health.” He quoted William F. Fry, M.D., who describes laughter as “inner jogging” and says that it’s good for a person’s cardiovascular system.
Comparing laughing to exercise, Gallo pointed out that when a person laughs heartily several benefits occur. There’s a temporary lowering of blood pressure, a decreased rate of breathing, and a reduction in muscle tension. He said that many people sense a “relaxed afterglow.” He concluded, “An enduring sense of humour, especially combined with other inner resources such as faith and optimism, appears to be a potent force for better health.
Christians, above all others, should benefit from laughter because we have the greatest reason to be joyful. Our faith is firmly rooted in God, and our optimism is based on the assurance that our lives are under His wise control.
Many people at the minute may feel that they have very little to laugh about, but there is hope on the horizon.
Many times things happen to me which stress me out but at a later date I look back and laugh at myself. Don’t be afraid to enjoy a good laugh—–it’s good medicine. Remember, he who laughs, lasts!
Laughter can bring joy to troubled souls and it can repair broken hearts.
