This message is an edited version of a sermon given at Loving God Fellowship. Copyright © 2008 Loving God Fellowship, Inc. http://www.LovingGodFellowship.org . Click to have messages emailed to you as they are made available. You are encouraged to share this message with those you know that are hungry for God's Word.
Our Pathway to Wellness
By Rev. Greg Johnson
Phillipianns 4:1-9
My sister gets our family an annual subscription of Reader’s Digest. It is one of the many magazines I review each month and this week, as I’ve been trying to catch up on my reading, I came across some articles that caught my attention and I want to share some excerpts with you.
In an article titled “Pathway to Wellness”, Patricia Curtis says
Our brain controls so much of how we heal. Some say it’s the work of the vagus nerve, which runs from your brain to your abdomen, letting your brain communicate with the rest of your body. And evidence is mounting that the more you practice mind-body techniques, the more powerful they become.
She goes on to say
No one knows for sure how the mind-body connection might make this leap, but praying for someone who is sick really seems to work, according to a recent Arizona State University review of 17 studies on people with heart disease, cancer, infertility and other conditions.
Reader’s Digest, 02/08, p. 66
Dr. Dean Ornish, who has developed a successful program for heart disease reversal and one for heart disease prevention, has a short monthly article in Reader’s Digest that I love to read. He writes
The mind is a mighty force. When you close your eyes and imagine something stressful, research shows, your body reacts: Arteries constrict, blood pressure goes up, muscles tense, breathing rate increases. But if you think of something healing, healing tends to happen – physiologically. This may explain why compassion and forgiveness are so powerful, not only for the recipient but also for the giver.
Our emotions resonate with one another, for better and for worse, My anger may raise my wife’s blood pressure as well as mine. On the other hand, my loving feelings may lower it in both of us. Acting in ways that are loving, forgiving, compassionate, altruistic and nurturing can help free us from disease and premature death.
In short, we are hardwired to help each other. When we forget this fact, we often suffer needlessly.
Reader’s Digest, 02/08, p. 66
As I read these articles, the Holy Spirit directed my thoughts to God’s Word. God’s Word is very relevant to us in our day and is confirmed by what we are now realizing medically. Our pathway to wellness is helping others, praying and right thinking. The Apostle Paul writes about each of these in Philippians chapter 4.
HELPING OTHERS
(Philippians 4:1-5 NIV) "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! {2} I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. {3} Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. {4} Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! {5} Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."
The Apostle Paul continually helped others. He lived his life for others and not for himself and the result was a loving and a joyful life even in the midst of great hardships. You think you have it bad, check out some of the stuff he went through as described in his own words.
(2 Corinthians 11:24-28 NIV) "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. {25} Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, {26} I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. {27} I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. {28} Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."
No matter what the Apostle Paul went through, he continued to help others. Helping others always takes our attention off of self and all or our difficulties. I can have a very stressful and hard day, but when I go minister to the homeless, or the gangs, or those coming out of prison, or those that are shut in, there is a joy that comes and the stresses of the day leave.
Beloved, instead of getting lost in your difficulties, lose yourself in helping others. Volunteer in your community. Minister at the point of need. You will receive the joy of the Lord.
PRAYING
(Philippians 4:6-7 NIV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. {7} And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
The Bible is full of wonderful promises, but the promises have conditions. As we meet the conditions, the promises are realized. The promise here is for the peace of God to protect our hearts and minds. The condition is prayer. As we pray and cast our anxieties on God, we receive God’s peace.
Do you need the peace of God in your life? Do you need to get rid of stress and anxiety? Turn your anxieties over to God through prayer and receive supernatural peace that only comes from Him. Prayer is a wonderful privilege.
RIGHT THINKING
(Philippians 4:8-9 NIV) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. {9} Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
We must train our minds to think right. Negative thinking will bring about unhealthy results both mentally and physically. Positive thinking will bring about healthy results. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have to train my mind to think negatively. It kind of comes naturally and if I allow it to go unchecked, it brings about sadness, despair and depression.
The Apostle Paul encourages Christ followers to think in a positive fashion. Focus on the good and not the bad. Quickly dispel any thoughts that are not right. Meditate on God’s Word and His goodness. Not only will you add years to your life, but you will be a pleasant person to be around.
Beloved, the medical community is affirming in our day what is true in God’s Word. God’s Word stays relevant to us. As we help others, pray and think right, we will be healthier mentally and physically. It reminds me of the words of Jesus (John 10:10 NIV) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Amen!
Know that you are loved,
