Life is hard. Sorrow and pain are real. The burdens of life can seem overwhelming in times of affliction. Here are some wonderful relief medications from the Bible:
- Laughter. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22). Laughter is a great stress reliever. It benefits your body as well as your mind. In childhood it comes naturally, but in adult years it usually has to be cultivated. Try to find humor in things. It is true that there are times and circumstances when laughter is neither fitting nor natural. But in many instances most of us could be happier if we tried a little harder.
- Tears. Ironically, crying also has therapeutic value for the soul. There is healing power in tears. “Sorrow is better than laughter; for by sadness of the countenance the heart is made better” (Ecc. 7:3). Crying is a way we release the pain that is pent up in our soul. Tears do more than release fluid from our eyes. They release hurt from our heart.
- Bible reading. Paul talked about “the comfort of the Scriptures” (Rom. 15:4). The Bible does give comfort. It reminds us that life with all of its trials is very short. It shows us the way to a perfect place where sorrow will be no more. It teaches us that God is a loving Father who knows all our hardships. When we obey it, we have a peace which surpasses our understanding (Phil. 4:7). The Bible has given comfort for thousands of years, and all we have to do is read and obey it.
- Prayer. “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray” (James 5:13). Instead of worrying about your troubles, pray about them. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6). Remember when your heart is breaking and you cannot find words to express your grief, the Holy Spirit steps in and intercedes to God on the Christian’s behalf (Rom. 8:26).
- Solitude. Jesus often went away by Himself to pray (Mark 1:35). Peter went up to the housetop to be by himself (Acts 10:9). Isaac went out into a field to meditate (Gen. 24:63). Rest your mind as well as your body. Turn off your cell phone and your television and have some quiet time meditating on spiritual things.
If you are going through trials, these things will help you. If your life is good at this stage and you have few real burdens, file them away in your memory so you will be prepared for hard times.
Kerry Duke