Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."¹

Science has finally caught up with these words in the Bible that King Solomon wrote some 3,000 years ago.

The following report is from The Week magazine: "Laughter is good for your healthâ€"and now scientists know why. Researchers at the University of Maryland found that when 20 healthy volunteers smiled and guffawed while watching the comedy, Kingpin, their blood flow increased by 22 percent, about the same increase caused by aerobic exercise. But when volunteers watched tension-filled scenes from Saving Private Ryan, their blood flow decreased 35 percent.

"The researchers say that laughing apparently causes the endothelium, the tissue that lines blood vessels, to expand, which increases blood flow. Laughter may also improve arterial health by reducing mental stress, which constricts vessels and cuts blood flow. A healthy lifestyleâ€"researcher Michael Miller tells New Scientistâ€"would include 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, and 15 minutes of hearty laughter each day."²

It's a pity that so many totally ignore God's directives for healthier, happier living. If we would live by the principles as found in his Word, the Bible, we would not only live healthier and happier lives, but our relationships would improve out of sight. We can't improve on God's plan. The wisest thing is to get in on it.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the principles given in your Word so that I can know how to live a healthier and happier life, and in so living greatly enhance my relationships. Please help me God to so live. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV).
2. The Week magazine, March 25, 2005. Cited on Parables, Etc., April 2005

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