A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 ESV

We all know the feeling. When someone is steeped in joy, it radiates from them. It illuminates rooms with more than mere light. We are drawn to it like moths.

But it also repels. Nocturnal creatures hide from the light, and they attack when light is thrust upon them. Likewise, those who walk in darkness often find true joy revolting.

Yet for children of light, joy is medicine. It gives vigor. It fosters vitality.

A crushed spirit is the opposite. It kills before death actually comes. It shrivels the bones, bends the back, suffocates the soul.

A person’s disposition directly impacts their physical health. The body is bound to the spirit.

By joy, many live beyond the strength of their bodies.

By hopelessness, many die with much strength left to be spent.

The LORD knows the frame of man, that we are dust. He rescues from us from our sin, the crusher of our spirit, the drier of our bones. As the Source of all true joy, His presence is good medicine. He is the great Physician who resets our bones, who revitalizes our marrow.

As adopted sons and daughters of God in Christ, the words of Nehemiah are ours as well:

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10 ESV