I remember my dad used to quote motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, all the time. Those little pithy proverbs of his had quite an impact on many people’s lives – all for the good! That’s because there is truth to much of what he says, not only from a Biblical perspective but also from a physiological perspective. You see, your thoughts and feelings can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. Positive thinking produces resilience in your life while negative thinking most often produces vulnerability. One is helpful; one is very harmful.

Constant negative thoughts, feelings, and influences in your life produces chronic stress. Stress upsets the body’s natural hormone balance, it depletes the chemicals in your brain required for happiness, and can seriously damage the immune system. Just ask any doctor. Uncontrolled negative emotions, anger, and stress can eventually lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, and even infection. The end result of constant negativity in your life is a decrease in lifespan. In fact, scientific studies have identified that stress shortens our telomeres, the “end caps” of our DNA strands, which causes us to age more quickly. Negativity can kill you!

Positive thinking, on the other hand, can reduce stress. John Hopkins Medical says there is a strong link between “positivity” and good health. Additional studies have found that a positive attitude improves outcomes and life satisfaction across a spectrum of conditions—including traumatic brain injury, stroke and brain tumors. The truth is, Christians should be the most positive thinking people all in the world! (John 10:10) After all, we have hope of eternal life, a reward in heaven! (Revelation 2:10) We’ve been saved, set free from sin and the second death! (Romans 6:18; Revelation 2:11) We should possess a “peace that passes all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7). This, and the many other blessings we have in Christ Jesus, should make us extremely resilient, that is, capable of withstanding whatever difficulty or problem that comes our way. But it takes the power of positive thinking – not always an easy thing to do.

Difficulties are always going to come. Hardship and persecution are promised to us (John 15:20). But that does not mean it must defeat us. We have a strength and support system behind us that is greater than all! (Romans 8:38,39) Be a positive person for God. Show Jesus you trust in Him to get you through. Allow the Word to build you up! You will not only be pleasing to God, you will feel better, and you will live longer!