SYNOPSIS
MERRY HEART MEDICINE - The phrase "a merry heart works like medicine" points us to the biblical wisdom found in Proverbs 17:22, revealing the profound connection between joy and health.
Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
When the heart is merry, we connect to the well of salvation that renews and heals. With constant joy, we reconnect to that godly inner man of shalom peace and health. The jews would describe it as "nothing missing, nothing broken" state of rest and wellness.
Isaiah 12:3 (KJV) Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Look at that "With joy you draw from the well of salvation" symbolizing the deep, spiritual joy that comes from receiving God's salvation and grace. Anointed music, hymns, psalms and various gospel music and others that give you deep joy opens you for child-like feelings of joy that actually make you well. Godly music like those played by David for Saul brings merry heart and healing of the soul.
1 Samuel 16:16 (KJV) Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
In this biblical account, David plays music for King Saul to heal him.