I wish to draw your attention to Proverbs 17:22, which says “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (NIV).

In today’s world, we all run the risk of crushing our own spirit with the anxieties of life. We carry concerns regarding our home. There is pressure on us thinking about paying the bills. We carry concerns regarding our families. There is pressure on us thinking about our marriage relationship and our children. We carry concerns regarding our jobs. There is pressure on us thinking about maintaining employment and keeping up with the required performance.

The verse points to having “a cheerful heart” as the way to counter life’s stress. And the way to have “a cheerful heart” is to focus on that which is good, encouraging, and even humorous. If something humors you, laugh. If you see progress, praise it. If you’re encouraged, share it.

Sometimes we have to narrow the view from the big picture and focus on the little things that bring us a “a cheerful heart.” When our mind is fixed on the big picture of our own world’s overwhelming stress, it’s easy to feel despair and hopelessness.

However, if we intentionally slow down and take in the moment, it’s easier to see the good, the positive, things that make you laugh, reasons to smile, and the encouraging things that help create “a cheerful heart.” When we intentionally change our thinking away from our worries, we’ll fight off the inevitable health problems.

Philippians 4:8 reminds us of this point, and says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

It may take practice on your part, but nurture “a cheerful heart” so you won’t have to nurse your crushed spirit.