It's Just What the Doctor Ordered!

A few years ago I read an article in our local paper that had the following headline: "Bad thoughts bring bad health." The piece was all about a study conducted by Daniel Mark of Duke University. Dr. Mark concluded that OPTIMISM can be a powerful predictor of who will live and who will die after the diagnosis of heart disease. He based his findings on a follow-up study of some 1,719 men and women who had undergone heart catheterization. "The mind is a tremendous tool or weapon," Mark said, "depending on your point of view."

When I read that quote I could not help but think about the emphasis that the Word of God places on the mind. For example, the Apostle Paul tells us to "set (our) minds on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2). In Philippians 2:5 he said, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” And in Philippians 4:8 we read, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report - if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things."

What sort of things? Well, in Ephesians 1:3 the Apostle Paul exclaims that God has "blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." So, just what are those "spiritual blessings" upon which I should be thinking / meditating as I set my mind on things above?

Some time ago - as I recall it was one of those typically soaking-wet Oregon days - when I felt about as “gray” as the sky, I thought I would take just a few moments to pick up my paper and pen, and, in the words of the old gospel song, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one."

Here is my list of just some of those many blessings upon which I knew I needed to be thinking . . .

1. I have been saved by His grace from the death penalty of sin. (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

2. I have "around-the-clock" access to my Heavenly Father. (Ephesians 2:18, Hebrews 4:16).

3. I am NEVER alone because He is ALWAYS with me. (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

4. Through His Word and by His Spirit He has provided me with EVERYTHING I need for life and godliness. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:3-4).

5. My Heavenly Father is constantly watching over me and always thinking about me. (Psalm 121, Psalm 139).

6. My Lord, who is both loving and strong, and whose ways are always just and right, will work in every circumstance of my life to bring about that which will result in my greatest good and His greatest glory. (Psalm 25:10, Psalm 62:11-12, Romans 8:28).

7. I have the promise and prospect that someday I will be just like Him and will live forever with Him (John 14:1-3, 1 John 3:1-2).

Now, like the little bunny powered by the Energizer battery, I could have kept going and going. But suddenly I realized that I wasn't feeling so down any more. In fact, I was starting to feel pretty good!

That Associated Press article went on to state that OUTLOOK is a "crucial factor in survival." Which reminded me of something that Dr. Warren Wiersbe once said: "Outlook determines outcome. Therefore, when your OUTLOOK is the UPLOOK, then the outcome will be all right!"

So, the next time you're feeling down physically, go to your doctor, by all means. But, don't forget to take at least two of the above! You may feel better in the morning! Remember, one of the wisest men who ever lived said, "A merry heart does good, LIKE MEDICINE!" (Proverbs 17:22).

And the next time you're feeling down emotionally or spiritually, then I would prescribe a double dose of all of the above! (That is just what The Doctor - The Great Physician - has ordered!). And you will discover, in the words of Isaiah, that "those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31); and in the words of Nehemiah, that "the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

Inasmuch as in just a few days (on August 5) I will be observing the fourth "anniversary" of my "massive and extensive" heart attack(my cardiologist's own words), I have decided by God's grace, today and every day I am keeping my OUTLOOK the UPLOOK!

Have a BLESSED day!