“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Prov. 13:12.
THE influence of the mind over the body is well known by many; but not so well known as it should be, since much sickness and many diseases are promoted by a morbid condition of the mind. The first clause of the text speaks more especially of disappointment and its effect; but the same principle applies to all unhealthful conditions of the mind.
One writer well says: “Heart-sickness makes many dyspeptics; for mental trouble has a paralyzing influence upon the digestive organs.” “That which brings sickness of body and mind to nearly all is dissatisfied feelings and discontented repinings.” Nehemiah was so concerned about the desolation of Jerusalem and the captivity of his people that his face became noticeably haggard and wan, so that the king remarked to him: “Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.” Neh. 2:2.
Again we quote: “Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as depression, gloominess, and sadness.” “Sickness of mind prevails everywhere. Nine-tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here.”
If this is true, the importance of the subject can hardly be overestimated. If it is literally true that nine-tenths of the diseases have their origin in the mind, then nine-tenths of our efforts should be to free the mind of the morbid conditions which give rise to disease—not to try to persuade the invalid that nothing is wrong, but that something is wrong and that the trouble comes from within.
A case illustrating this is mentioned in Psalms 102: 4, 5. “My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.” This is an account of a case of mental disturbance where the flesh wastes away until this condition is brought about. David is not the only one who has had such experience. Many are losing their health because of worry and dissatisfied repinings.
But this is the dark side of the picture—the side where “hope is deferred,” and the “heart smitten,” where the “voice of groanings” causes the “bones to cleave to the skin.” Let us shift the scene, therefore, and view the brighter side, which is just as positive as the other. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Prov. 17:22. Cheerfulness has been said to be a “panacea for all ills;” but whether this be true or not, we are assured that it “doeth good like a medicine [or remedy].” “Cheerfulness and a clear conscience are better than drugs, and will be an effective agent in your restoration to health.”—Healthful Living. If any believer is afflicted, let him remember that cheerfulness of spirit and a clear conscience will be a powerful factor in his recovery. Therefore look up; be encouraged; keep up your courage—likewise your shoulders—and never say “die.” Like the psalmist declare, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Ps. 118:17. “Pleasant words11are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Prov. 16:24.
Not only are your pleasant words “health to the bones” of your neighbor; but they react with a beneficent result upon that man who uses them. And if they come spontaneously from a joyful heart, their influence is threefold—both upon the bearer and the user. “We should encourage a cheerful, hopeful, peaceful frame of mind; for our health depends upon our so doing.” If we do not already possess cheerfulness and hopefulness it is our duty to cultivate that trait at once; for our continued health depends upon it; besides, we owe something except scowls and cross words to those about us. It pays to be happy. There is a divinely appointed relationship between a happy mind and a healthful body. “He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast” (Prov. 15:15), and not only that, but the power that such a man wields over hardened humanity by his hearty greeting and pleasant smile, can not be estimated. Cheer up; be bright; let all the good shine forth; and by all means lose not an opportunity to scatter seeds of kindness and thus implant a kindly feeling in the hearts of others.
Some two or three years ago a young man was standing at the main entrance of the old Battle Creek Sanitarium, leaning listlessly against one of the pillars. His work that day was a drudge, and his friends were enemies. The sun shone unnoticed, the winds fanned his cheek unfelt, the trees budded, the grass carpeted the earth unseen. He was discouraged. The clouds were dark and lowering. The silver lining did not appear—the young man was disheartened. Finally he noticed a lady with a baby carriage coming up the walk, and as he gazed listlessly at them, they drew near. As the carriage was immediately opposite, a small child, about one year old, drew itself to a sitting posture and caught the young man’s eye, and—smiled. That smile broke the black spell, and immediately the birds sang, the sun shone, and the trees sprang into foliage. Friends were friends again, and work that afternoon was a positive pleasure. God sent that smile to cheer a disconsolate young man,—and it did not fail in its mission. That young man was the writer.
