Medicine From the Bible

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

More and more, science discovers the importance of a positive attitude in life, the importance of keeping your inner life in balance, not letting yourself stressed out every day. The diseases caused by stress are so many and so serious that we can’t afford ignoring this issue. From heart attacks and strokes to metabolic disorders such as diabetes or thyroidal problems, stress is a factor that greatly contributes to preparing the ground for all these diseases, causing a weak resistance of our immune system to all kinds of factors which could be removed out of the way if it weren’t for the "stress factor".

But how can we cope with the stress of everyday life?

Currency changes from a day to another and one of these days I had to change dollars to pay for my Master’s degree. I was wondering if I should change this money right away or maybe the days to come, hoping for a better change rate. As I was thinking about this I said to myself:" Why should I worry?" And I started praying. God brought to my mind that in His Hands is all the money I need and my finances do not depend on anything but on Him so…why worry?

Let’s see together what Jesus has to say about these common problems and distresses:

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12

Many times we take God as our last alternative instead of first taking advice from Him in every situation. Why do we do that? Well…we might have seen others doing like that so…it is what we grew up with!
Regardless of how our minds were set so far, we should acknowledge that no amount of human power will ever be able to give us the peace, security and comfort that God Alone can provide.

How can we do better next time when we feel the stress levels rising?

Identify your stress source then, once again…identify the REAL stress source. Don’t be surprised to find that your lack of trust in God is actually the real reason you want to carry all the pressure of life on your shoulders! Search your soul and search it thoroughly, sincerely admitting that there is no way you could see what God sees, you can’t see why you did not always get what you wanted.

Sometimes God will let you see for yourself how using your own strength, you simply can’t face challenges and the whole spiritual war that goes on around you! But don’t wait until God demonstrates that, trust Him Now and "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."1 Peter 5:7

In conclusion: cheer up your heart, trust God and cast all your worries upon Him because He is the One Who carries you anyway!