The Great God Who created the vast universe is vitally interested in the health of a tiny part of that universe–man. So interested is He that He included a number of Scriptures in His Holy Life Manual that, if believed and obeyed, guarantees man a longer and healthier life. Several of these passages compare life on the physical, mental and emotional level to life and death on the spiritual level. This can only mean that man’s well-being in this present life is very important to the Lord. Two examples of this fact are found in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 30:19 He said: “… I set before you LIFE AND DEATH, BLESSING AND CURSING. Therefore, chose life that you and your descendants may live ….” He reiterates this message in Jeremiah 21:8: “… I set before you the WAY OF LIFE AND THE WAY OF DEATH.” Man’s attitude toward these and other statements ultimately determines whether he has life or death in the future and blessing or cursing in the present. Notice that man has the power to choose which of these promises he wants to receive.

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s Word, every Word of it, constitutes His Law/commandments. Jesus of Nazareth declared that “Man must live by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God.” The Words God spoke to Him, His prophets and His apostles by way of His Holy Spirit comprise His Law–His rules of life. From His mouth have come a number of statements that directly affect man’s physical, mental and emotional health. Let us examine some of them.

In John 10:10 and 3 John 2 the Almighty tells us how important our health is to Him. In these Scriptures He states that “above all things” He wants us to have “abundant” life. Proverbs 3:7,8; 4:21-22 tell us that obeying Him enables us to have that abundant life. Proverbs 3 and 4 tell us that living according to God’s rules enables us to have long life, strength, wealth, happiness, a good reputation, good favor, friends, wisdom, charm, peace, safety, glory and honor. What more could a human being want in this life?

The Bible reveals that there is a connection between mental and physical health. Proverbs 17:22 proves this. Medical science has shown that negative attitudes and emotions can produce everything from minor irritations to death-causing diseases. Conversely, positive thoughts and emotions can strengthen the immunity system and improve overall health. For example, I know a lady whose physical reaction to minor stress is a fever blister on her lips. Her reaction to intense stress is shingles over large portions of her body. Different people react differently to the same situation. But all of us can affect our reactions to negative conditions by obeying the Health Guide provided by the One Who created us.

Not surprisingly, what we say to others and what they say to us can affect our mental and emotional state which, as noted above, can in turn affect our physical condition. Positive conversation can improve our overall health as we are told in Proverbs 16:24; 12:18,25; 14:30; 13:12. The Apostle Paul was a master at remaining calm and peaceful in his heart (mind) regardless of the immediate situation.  As he told the church at Philippi, he was always content with what God provided for him (4:11-14). In that same letter he told the people how to have a happy, peaceful, hope-filled mind (4:4-8) at all times. When we read about his post-conversion life we must marvel at his ability to remain calm and confident during the worst of times. See 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. Let us use this man as one of our examples of how to keep our senses as those around us are losing theirs. L.J.