Heart Medicine

(Proverbs 17:22 KJV)  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Are there psychosomatic spiritual illnesses?  One of the major struggles people have is depression.  I have had my days.  I have gone for days where I would go to work and just stare at the wall.  I have contemplated suicide.  I got over it.  How and why? 

I assume that I did not have the depth of depression that requires medication and hospitalization, but most people don’t.  I believe I had the same struggle that millions have and it kept me down.  Ultimately it came down to not having a “merry” (joyful NASB) (8056) “heart” (3820).  What is the antonym of joyful?  Google tells me “sad, miserable, distressing, depressing”.  I can identify with all those things, or at least I could.

What helped me break the hold this had on me was to first admit it.  Then I came to the realization that I was feeling this way because my focus was on myself and to be honest, I kind of got a kick out of feeling sorry for myself.  At that point God was able to break through and grab me by the scruff of the neck.  He gave me a loving shake and said, “Look at me, boy!”  When I did that things begin to change.  Now when I find myself slipping into self pity I adjust my focus and Jesus always meets me.

So?  That may not be your problem but it sure was mine.  I am reminded of saints who have gone singing to martyrdom and realize that with the right focus I can have a joyful heart.