We live in a day when more is being said about health and nutrition than ever before. In fact, we hear so many conflicting opinions that we hardly know what to believe.

According to the Bible, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we have a special obligation to care for them (1 Cor. 6:19). We should get adequate rest and proper nourishment, and do everything possible to provide for our physical well-being. One way to accomplish this is suggested in Proverbs 17:22, "A merry heart does good, like medicine."

There's a definite relationship between emotional contentment and good physical health. A happy and cheerful outlook on life does have therapeutic value, but that doesn't just happen. True happiness and joy result from a right relationship with God and our fellowman. Galatians 5:22 tells us that joy is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, and we must live under His control to experience it.

We can be happy because our sins have been forgiven and we have been accepted by God through personal faith in Christ. Then, as we walk in obedience to His Word, He gives us the peace and the joy of His presence.

So be happy--it's good medicine!  — Richard De Haan