The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathize. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which man suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, and distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death.
Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, and love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. "A merry (rejoicing) heart doeth good like a medicine."(Proverbs 17:22)
The effect of mental influence should not be overlooked. By the exercise of the will power in placing themselves in right relation to life, patients can do much to cooperate with the physician´s efforts for their recovery. Often invalids can resist disease simply by refusing to yield to ailments and settle down in a state of inactivity. Rising above their aches and pains, they should engage in useful activity suited to their strength. By such exercise and the free use of air and sunlight, many an ivalid might recover health and strenght.
We are in a world of suffering. Difficulty, trial, and sorrow await us all along the way to the heavenly home. But there are many who make life´s burdens doubly heavy by continually anticipating trouble. Thus they bring wretchedness upon themselves and cast a shadow upon all around them. Let them look away from the dark picture to the benefits which God has strewn in their pathway, and beyond these to the unseen and eternal.
When the sunlight of God´s love illuminates the darkened chambers of the soul, restless weariness and dissatisfaction will cease, and satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind and health and energy to the body.
