April 8

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. — Prov 17:22 BSB

King Solomon left us a wise saying for both sick and sad hearts: “A merry heart does good like a medicine.” Joy is a great restorer and healer. A glad spirit can bring health to the bones and vitality to the nerves when all other treatments fail. When other remedies no longer work, joy can still bring healing.

If you are sick, begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like a healthy plant. Your face will glow with the bloom of health. Worry, fear, distrust, and anxiety are like poison; joy is the healing balm. If you will rejoice, God will give strength. He has commanded us to rejoice always, and He never fails to give strength when we obey His commands. Rejoice in the Lord always, no matter how sad, tempted, sick, or suffering you may be. Rejoice right where you are, and start now.

The joy of the Lord is the strength of our body,
The gladness of Jesus, the balm for our pain,
His life and His fullness, our fountain of healing,
His joy, our elixir for body and brain.