Today an article was released by Health Behavior News Service suggesting that happiness and life satisfaction might lead to better health. They refer to a study that was based upon research in Australia conducted in 2001 and 2004. The researchers looked at 10,000 adults who responded to items about health indicators in the presence of long term limited health conditions and physical health. They found that both happiness and life satisfaction might lead to better future health.
So the question is, how do we become happier and more satisfied with our life? The answer can be found in scripture. Psalm 119:2 says “Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts. Verse 35 reads “Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Finally, verse 56 reads “This is my happy way of life: obeying your commandments.”
These are only three versus of this very revealing chapter in the book of Psalm. I would urge you to take time to read the entire chapter of Psalm 119 so you can gain a full appreciation of the value of God’s principles and commandments. He gave us His truths in the Bible so that we could live a more full and happy life. I am convinced that the happier we are with our life and the more satisfied we are with our life that the better our emotional health will be. This improved level of emotional health will then lead to improved physical health.
Warren Wiersbe writes in his book, 5 Secrets of Living, that the secret of enjoying life is fruit bearing. The secret of fruit bearing is abiding in God. The secret of abiding in God is obeying Him. The secret of obeying God is loving Him. The secret of loving is knowing God. The abundant life that Jesus refers to John 10:10 is what happiness and true joy is all about. Scripture tells us that we can receive this happiness and true story through obeying God’s commandments. So, I urge you to spend time in his Word to get to know God and to try your best to live your life in accordance with his commandments. The resulting happiness and subsequent improved health will contribute to living the abundant life that Jesus died for us.
Go have an awesome day!