OPTIMISM: HAPPINESS AND HEALING

Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church



To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:

http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q206-12-optimism-happiness-and-healing




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Optimism: Happiness and Healing
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:21–23, NIV)



Looking Ahead With Hope
Opuge Ephraim Obuolloh, Kisii, Kenya, East Africa
Sabbath Introduction
Ps. 27:1, 14

In face of the economic downturn, wars, food shortages, and the constant changes
we have to contend with daily, we all are faced with discouraging situations that sometimes make life seem too difficult to bear. So many people are falling victim to depression because of their social and economic situations, while other people become exhausted and sick as a result of personal difficulties and stress.

As depression increases, the body’s defenses become weakened.

As depression increases, the body’s defenses become weakened. But how thankful we can be that the Word of God, the Bible, is filled with messages of hope—messages that when contemplated and lived can inspire and strengthen the fainting soul. These messages also can restore physical health to bodies made sick with worry or sadness. David most likely wrote our texts for today when he was a fugitive hiding in the wilderness.1 Read them now if you haven’t already done so. Such texts can inspire us today to keep going when the going gets tough. Of these verses, we read, “Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Each of us has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another—fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But we can conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the Lord who brings salvation.”2 “The psalm closes with a repetition of the injunction: ‘Wait, I say, on the Lord,’ as if the psalmist would fix deep in our minds the idea that at all times of doubt and danger, instead of despairing, we should go forward ‘in the strength of the Lord God’ (see Ps. 71:16).”3

God’s Word, the sacrifice of His only Son, His demonstrated love and faithfulness throughout our lives, and His daily presence in our lives should regularly inspire us to hope for a better future, both in this life and in eternity. God has the answers we need, and He has granted us access to them in the Bible. This week we will explore the unique link between optimism, well-being, and the healing of body and mind.

REACT
How is it that the Bible carries the answers to all of life’s dilemmas?
____________
1. Education, p. 164.
2. Life Application Study Bible (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House, 1991), p. 929.
3. The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 697.



A Strong Heart
Lukas Olwayo, Kisumu, Kenya, East Africa
Sunday Logos
1 Kings 19:2−18; Psalm 27; 42; Luke 8:14; 10:38−42;
Rom. 8:35−39; 2 Cor. 12:9, 10; 1 Thess. 5:16−18

A Fearless Strong Heart (Psalm 27; 42)
David’s life surely had many challenges and trials. He expresses some of these quite vividly in Psalm 27. But in doing so, he also comforts and assures us. When life is difficult and when things seem to be going the wrong way for us, we must remember that God is with us still. David’s advice is that we must wait on the Lord. Waiting on the Him involves trusting in His providence and in His ability. It entails having confidence that He will do what He says and lead where He promises. Knowing that God is there for us in these ways should encourage our hearts to be strong. A strong heart is able to withstand many of life’s challenges, while a weak heart faints at any trial and will not be able to withstand the challenges of life.

When faith grows, anxiety lessens.

Only One Thing Is Needed (Luke 10:42)
Both Mary and Martha were disciples of Jesus. They both loved the Lord and devoted their lives to Him. Yet they approached discipleship in different ways. Even with Jesus in her house, Martha remained overly distracted by all the preparations needed to entertain the guest. Most likely these preparations were for their meal together. Mary, however, sat with Jesus so that she might hear what He had to say. Jesus knew that neither Mary nor Martha could live by bread alone (Matt. 4:4). He knew that there are times when feeding on the spiritual bread of His Word would be more important than feeding on bread from the oven. In Martha’s case, the “many things” (Luke 10:41, NIV) distracting her from Christ’s presence were not bad in themselves. The point here is that sometimes we can fill up our lives with “good things” to the point that we neglect our soul’s needs. Sometimes we are so busy doing things for Christ, that we fail to spend quality time with Him.

Martha being troubled refers to her “outward demeanor, in contrast with her inner feelings. She was ‘anxious’ inwardly, and as a result ‘troubled’ outwardly. If we would only seek to cultivate that inward composure that Martha so much needed we would avoid much unnecessary anxiety.”1

God does not bless us with good families, loving friends, well-paying and satisfying jobs, along with other gifts and abilities, just so we have excuses to abandon a close walk with Him. Always remember as Mary must have remembered— that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Our State of Mind (Matt. 6:31, 32)
Anxiety is a killer. Many of the physical and mental illnesses of our present age are stress related. However, when faith grows, anxiety lessens. This is what Jesus wanted Martha learn. This is part of what He taught in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “ ‘Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them’ ” (Matt. 6:31, 32, NIV). Having the correct set of priorities—putting His kingdom first—will reduce your chances of a heart attack!

Mary chose to listen to the Lord. But if we are too busy to commune with Him, to pray, to study His word, to meditate on life’s purpose, and to enjoy a peaceful, private time with Him, our hearts will be troubled with life’s daily cares, wearing down our bodies and minds so that we will be weakened by illnesses small and large.

God Loves You (Jer. 31:3)
In Jeremiah 31:3, God said to the Israelites, “I have loved thee with an ever-lasting love.” As the object of God’s love, the apostle Paul could say that he knew in whom he believed (2 Tim. 1:12). In Romans 8:35–39, he declares that all true believers are the object of God’s love. Because this is so, nothing or no one can separate us from God’s salvation and deliverance. His love should inspire us to look at life positively, to expect good things to happen, and to live with the confidence that He will take care of us.

“God reaches toward his people with kindness motivated by deep and everlasting love. He is eager to do the best for them if they will only let him. After many words of warning about sin, this reminder of God’s magnificent love is a breath of fresh air. Rather than thinking of God with dread, look carefully and see him lovingly drawing us toward himself.”2

When life deals us blows, we are to know that all that truly matters is safe with the Lord. Such a state of mind will lead to a good state of health. His promises are many. Let them be your guide (Deut. 33:29; Ps. 4:8; 56:3; 91:1, 2; 1 John 4:4).

REACT
1. How does the fact that God has already provided our salvation inspire you to live positively?
2. If you are anxious about something in your life, do things to increase your faith. Be sure to notice how an increase in faith makes you feel physically.
3. How can we demonstrate our assurance of salvation to others so they will be inspired to follow the Lord?
____________
1. The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 785.
2. Life Application Study Bible (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House, 1991), p. 1342.



“Joy . . . Never Failing”
Marcus Leeland, Bowie, Maryland, U.S.A.
Monday Testimony
Prov. 17:22

“The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. . . .

“Let us educate our souls to be hopeful. . . .”

“Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul.”1

“Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Father’s house?

“Those professed Christians who are constantly complaining, and who seem to think cheerfulness and happiness a sin, have not genuine religion. . . .

“It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance. While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,—the great mercy and love of God,—we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a well-spring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God.

“Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be hopeful, and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God.”2

REACT
Take time to praise God for five things. Think about each item for one minute. Note how you feel at the end of this exercise.
____________
1. The Ministry of Healing, p. 241.
2. Ibid., pp. 251–253.





Living Productive Lives
Sarah Kwamboka Monyoncho, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa
Tuesday Evidence
3 John 1: 2

Third John begins with an identification of its author and the person to whom it is written, followed by a thanksgiving and a wish for the well-being of the recipient. John addresses Gaius as his “dear friend.” While this suggests cordiality, it is probably not strong enough to capture the meaning of the Greek word used here (agapetos), which means “beloved.” Love is not simply affection or attachment but the God-given bond that unites Christians. And John’s statement that he loves Gaius “in the truth” points to the double-stranded cord that unites them: they are held together not only by love but also by the truth they share.

The wish for good health is typical of ancient letters, and here it is really a prayer. Specifically, John prays that Gaius “may enjoy good health” and “that all may go well with” him, “even as [his] soul is getting along well” (verse 2, NIV). The word translated “soul” (psyche) refers to every aspect of personhood. In the Gospel of John Jesus is said to lay down his psyche, which means more than to give his “soul” (see John 10:15, 17, 18). John’s confidence that Gaius is “getting along well” with respect to his soul does not therefore merely point to his soul being saved. Instead it is referring to both spiritual and moral health in light of accepting Jesus and obeying His commands.

When we consider it a duty to praise God and to be optimistic about our future as Christians despite the worldly conditions around us, our physical health also will benefit. Many research studies are showing this to be true. One such study was done at Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Sheldon Cohen and his colleagues studied 193 healthy men and women between the ages of 21 and 55. Results showed that participants “with high scores for positive emotional style were more likely to resist colds and flu.” The researcher wrote that these “results indicate that positive emotions play a larger and more important role in disease risk and health complaints than previously believed.”*

REACT
1. What have you done recently to highlight hope and prosperity to those around you?
2. What does the Bible say about living peaceably with all people? See Romans 12:18. How can this contribute to both spiritual and physical health?
____________
*Miranda Hitti, “Happiness Good for Health,” WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/news/20061110/happiness-good-for-health (accessed February 10, 2009).



Living Well Despite Life’s Challenges
Jackson Watembo, Ronkai, Kenya, East Africa
How-to Wednesday
Genesis 6; 7; 12:1–7; Gal. 5:22–26

We live in a world of uncertainties and changes. Many things are often beyond our control. How we manage these events depends on how we see and react to them. Optimism is hoping for and expecting the best out of life. It entails patience and perseverance.

Give your worries . . . to the Lord in prayer. Then leave them there.

When we believe that we are controlled by situations, and when we whine and complain, we not only expose ourselves to defeat but weaken our resolve to be happy. Those who are optimistic in one situation will not only gain the courage to practise optimism the next time there is a problem but also will be developing their hearts and minds to withstand future challenges.

How does one develop optimism?

Take the step of faith. Many of us are depressed because we never try to trust. We refuse to walk in faith. It wasn’t until Peter stepped into the water that he knew he could walk on it. Unless we take the first step, we cannot go anywhere.

Trust in God. Trusting Him does not mean abandoning common sense and action. It does mean that despite circumstances you will believe and have faith that God’s promises will be fulfilled in your life. Noah trusted God, even though it had never rained before. Abraham trusted God even though God didn’t tell him where he was going.

Pray. Many of us are not optimistic because we do not spend a great deal of time in prayer. Those who struggle with their burdens and refuse to give them to the Lord continue to carry those burdens. Give your worries and anxiety to the Lord in prayer. Then leave them there.

Live a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that exercise and eating healthful foods can help us to be happy. Exercise brings oxygen to every part of the body. This keeps us alert and strong. Good food helps us to fight colds, flu, cancers, and other health problems. When we feel well because we have taken care of our bodies, it is easier to be optimistic about life’s challenges.

People who fear life’s circumstances block the work of God in their lives and cannot therefore experience the fullness of life. However, optimistic people walk through life with courage and hope. Their lives bear much fruit.

REACT
Review the steps above. Choose two that you need to work on. Then develop and work a plan that will help you to do so.



“It Draweth Nigh, Awake From Sleep”
Isaac Nyakundi Mokaya, Kisii, Kenya, East Africa
Thursday Opinion
Rom. 13:11, 12

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:11, 12, NKJV).

The world is full of maggots.

We are called to do God’s will. Many people say that Christ has delayed, and thus He has not kept His promise to return and take us to heaven. I believe, however, that He has not delayed as many think of delay. Instead, He “is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9, NKJV). He and his angels are working to win many of us to their side.

A story is told of a pastor who kept ducks and chickens. Once, he received an invitation to preach in a church far away. So he prepared enough food for his poultry to eat while he was gone. When he returned a week later, he was shocked to discover that the young chicks and ducks were in the latrine outside of his house. He took a spotlight and looked in the latrine. When he saw maggots’ wriggling there, he realized they had fallen in. They would rather have maggots to eat than the good food he had left for them.

The world is full of maggots placed by Satan in hopes of catching us in his snares. But we praise Jesus, because, like the pastor who rescued his ducklings and chicks, He wants to rescue us from the cares of the world and draw us close to God.

REACT
1. What are some of the ways the devil attacks us?
2. How you can avoid the devil’s snares? Read Proverbs 3:5, 6.
3. How has God helped you when you were tempted by Satan?
4. Are you as concerned as God is that not any should perish under the deceptions of Satan? If your answer is no, can you think why you might feel that way? What can you do to change your mind?
5. Review Romans 13:11, 12. How is “putting on the armor of light” (NKJV) a metaphor for being optimistic?



My Peace I Give
Dwain Esmond, Hedgesville, West Virginia, U.S.A.
Friday Exploration
Phil. 4:6, 7

CONCLUDE
Diseases without remedy, adverse climate changes, and financial crises are just a few of the problems making men and women’s hearts fail them for fear. God has not left His people helpless or hopeless. He has given to each person “a measure of faith” that is best used when placed in Him (Rom. 12:3). Through faith in God and His Word, we have at our disposal the strength to overcome any challenge we may face. To be at peace, we must use what we have to get what we need from a God willing to supply our every need.

CONSIDER
Watching your local evening newscast for the next five days. Create a chart showing the number of positive stories versus those that were negative. How might a constant barrage of the nightly news shape one’s mental state?
Making a list of the top ten stressors in your life. Try to come up with two positive ways to handle each source of stress. Then calculate the amount of time you lose each week by negatively responding to the stresses in your life.
Rewriting John 14:27 and Matthew 11:2–30 in your own words, beginning with this statement: “God is telling me that . . .”
Thinking of a stressful time in your life. How did God help you get through it? Create a spoken-word testimony of your deliverance by playing a favorite piece of Christian music in the background as you record your personal testimony.
Reading Romans 1:18–23. A lack of thankfulness by the Romans contributed to their mental depravity. Think of someone in your life for whom you are thankful. Cook or bake them something to let them know you appreciate them.
Organizing an agape feast at your home or apartment. Invite several friends and acquaintances to attend. Ask your guests to share something for which they would like special prayer or support. Take a moment to pray for the requests.
Thinking about a challenge in your life that you have failed to surrender to God. Meditate on James 4:2 and 1 Peter 5:7. Why not surrender your challenge to God right now?

CONNECT
The Ministry of Healing, chapter 18.
Philip Yancey, Prayer, chapter 11.