Psalm 139:14 describes us as being “fearfully and wonderfully made.” How true that is! The complexity and wonder of our being—our body, mind and soul—is astounding. No one understands this more fully than the One who designed us as we are.
Knowing us intimately, and loving us abundantly, our Creator provided us with written directions for how we can live life to the fullest. It should not surprise us when those who study human life find that contentment corresponds with the directions found in God’s Holy Word.
Take, for example, Jesus’ command that we love one another as he loved us. The website for the United Kingdom’s Mental Health Foundation points out, “Those of us who are kind and compassionate experience clear benefits to our well-being and happiness. We may even live longer. Kindness also helps reduce stress and improve our emotional well-being.” When we care for others, as Jesus instructed us to do, we actually make our own lives better as well.
Or consider the instruction to us in Galatians 6:9 to do good: “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” What shall we reap from doing good? Among other things, certain “feel good” chemicals are released in our bodies when we do good to others, including serotonin (which regulates mood), dopamine (which gives a sense of pleasure), and oxytocin (which creates a sense of connection with others). Dr. Susan Albers comments, “When we do things for other people, it makes us feel much more engaged and joyful. That’s good for our health and happiness.”
Or consider God’s call to us to speak the truth (such as Colossians 3:9: “Do not lie to one another”). Dr. Deirdre Lee Fitzgerald stresses, “Research has linked telling lies to an increased risk of cancer, increased risk of obesity, anxiety, depression, addiction, gambling, poor work satisfaction, and poor relationships.” Whereas a study conducted by Dr. Anita E. Kelly of the University of Notre Dame found that telling the truth improves a person’s mental and physical health.
It seems that our Designer knows how we can get the most out of life, and it seems that we will do well to read the instructions given to us and endeavor to put them into practice.