"It is said that on the ocean of life a joyful soul makes a good sailor. This is true. The strong, joyful nature will make its way where others fall by the wayside. Joy, spiritual joy, is our divine right, and buoys us up and urges us onward to accomplishment... God is a God of joy. It is through our realization of this truth that we drink heartily of the wine of life", writes Charles Fillmore.

We pointed out before that there is an underlying connection between joy and health: "My heart is glad, and My glory rejoices; My flesh also shall rest in hope; For You will not leave My soul in hell; You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption" (Psalm 16:9,10).

"But isn't it a prophecy about the resurrection of Jesus?", someone may ask. Yes, but not only the one of Jesus. We will receive the greatest benefit from the Bible as soon as we understand that it reveals universal laws and principles which can be embraced and applied by all. This includes the principle of the resurrection.

If we deal with the Truth, this Truth will demonstrate and prove itself at all levels of life.

"But if the Spirit of the One who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised up Christ from the dead shall also make your mortal bodies alive by His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:11), writes Paul.

Our bodies are made alive by the Spirit of God within us. As we consciously dwell in God's presence and affirm divine power at work in us, we become stronger and healthier than ever before. This is being made by the same Power that raised up Jesus from the dead. Therefore, we become partakers of the Resurrection.

Earlier Paul mentioned two "laws" which work within an individual, "the law of sin and death" and "the law of the Spirit of life". It is important for us to understand their operation.

Human body is a complex, dynamic system. Medical doctors are aware of that, but most of people never think much of what is going on within until some inner problem or disharmony comes to the surface as pain. Then, those people earnestly seek for help, trying to be relieved of their sufferings as soon as possible.

However, many of health problems will be avoided if we will learn to cooperate with divine and natural restorative powers. The most important fact we could know about our body is that it is designed for health. All sicknesses and diseases are unnatural. They are results of "sin", which is the violation of the laws of our being. The body tends to restore its equilibrium by itself when all the necessary conditions are right.

Joy that we experience in God's presence becomes an important healing factor as it mentally lifts us above all the appearances. Looking at the surface of our life, we may notice dangerous signs and painful symptoms. When we listen to shallow opinions of others, we may conclude that there is no hope. And yet, there is always hope in God. There is always hope to transcend earthly limitations by the same Power that enabled Jesus to transcend death.

"My flesh shall rest in hope". We can take this powerful statement as our affirmation. In the presence of God, we let go all inner tensions and struggles, entering into the Rest. From now on, we do not have to rely solely on our resources in dealing with challenges. Our help comes from the Source.

"My soul will not stay in hell". "Hellish" state of mind is negative state of mind. When soul of a person is filled with fear, hate, anger, resentment, envy, and so forth, it is tormented. As time goes, "sick" thoughts manifest themselves as sicknesses and diseases of various kind. Is it possible for us to escape such a condition? Yes. And the best way to cleanse our mind and heart is to enter the Presence. Face to face with God, we easily drop out outworn and counterproductive attitudes in order to change them for new and beautiful ones. As we behold the glory of God, we are being changed into the same image from glory to glory.

You will make Me know the way of life; in Your presence is fullness of joys. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

Let us hold on to this ideal, because nothing less will give us true fulfillment.