How to Live Longer

Today's Verse:

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. ~Proverbs 17:22

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Almost everyone I know enjoys being happy. The mood of happiness releases a chemical that gives us peace, contentment, and freedom. When we are happy, we enjoy people and people enjoy us. Our devotion this morning teaches us how happiness, or a merry heart, is like a medicine for our lives. Let us see how a merry heart might help us live longer.

There is the adversary to a merry heart.

Solomon said, “A broken spirit drieth the bones.” Sorrow, depression, sadness, and extended anxiety can cause considerable wear and tear on one’s emotional and spiritual well-being. A broken spirit can result in a loss of appetite, sleep, concentration, and personal desire. A person with a broken spirit feels a sense of loss, worthlessness, and despair. He might feel like withdrawing from the company of other people and just wanting to be alone. The “drying of the bones” speaks of a spirit that is almost lifeless. The motivation and drive to do anything is almost gone. A broken spirit can take a person’s life away. Be careful of letting your problems and anxiety get the best of you.

There is the advantage of a merry heart.

A merry heart results in a positive attitude. It makes you a pleasant person to be around. It energizes you to do things. It keeps your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing normal. It releases stress build-up. Sometimes a good laugh is better for you than taking a long run. You are able to think with more clarity. You have more energy for the day. You have more good days than you will have bad days. You will be more focused and driven. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine."

There is the advice for a merry heart.

First, be sure that you commit everything to God in prayer, especially the things that are stressful and worrisome. In everything, let your requests be made known to God. Second, surround yourself with people who are happy people. Happy people help us to keep a proper perspective on our life and circumstances. Third, don’t take things so seriously that you miss the blessings around you. Fourth, have a song in your heart to the Lord. Live in the realm of being merry and not in the realm of being discouraged.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” A merry heart will add years to your life and not take them away. A merry heart will lead to less health troubles as we get older. When people talk about coping mechanisms for problems, remember that God gave us laughter and happiness as that means.

Do you have a merry heart? Do people who know you think you have a merry heart? Why not start today to make being merry and happy the attitude that drives your spirit? It just might help you live a longer life!

Have a happy God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 13-15

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