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  A MERRY HEART DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, and joy is the great
restorer and healer, according to King Solomon's wise saying.

Topics: "Healing", "Joy"
Scripture References: Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 30:5, Psalm 126:2, Proverbs 17:22, Isaiah 61:3, John 15:11, Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, James 1:2-3

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes the healing power of joy in his sermon 'A Merry
Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine.' He cites King Solomon's wisdom,
asserting that a merry heart acts as a restorative medicine for both
body and spirit. Simpson encourages listeners to rejoice in the Lord
regardless of their circumstances, as joy can counteract worry and fear,
which are detrimental to health. He reminds us that God commands us to
be glad, promising that He will empower us to follow this command.
Ultimately, the joy of the Lord serves as our strength and healing balm.

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CONTENT
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King Solomon left among his wise sayings a prescription for sick and sad
hearts, and it is one that we can safely take. A merry heart doeth good
like a medicine. Joy is the great restorer and healer. Gladness of
spirit will bring health to the bones and vitality to the nerves when
all other tonics fail and all other sedatives cease to quiet. Are you
ill? Begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an
herb, and your cheeks will glow with the bloom of health and freshness.
Worry, fear, distrust, care-all are poisonous! joy is balm and healing,
and if you will but rejoice, God will give power. He has commanded you
to be glad and rejoice, and He never fails to sustain His children in
keeping His commandments.

Rejoice in the Lord always, He says.

This means no matter how sad, how tempted, how sick, how suffering you
are, rejoice in the Lord just where you are-and begin this moment. The
joy of the Lord is the strength of our body, The gladness of Jesus, the
balm for our pain, His life and His fullness, our fountain of healing,
His joy, our elixir for body and brain.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/a-merry-heart-doeth-good-like-a-medicine/
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