Summer is a great season for hope. This year, hope is especially needed across our country. In fact, hope and health are needed more than ever.

It’s not been an easy Spring. But, as the weather gets warmer, and our earth turn green, we can choose hope moving forward.

For Christians, the source of hope has not changed. No matter the season, the pandemic, or our circumstances, the God of Hope stays the same. And this means we can have hope no matter what.

Here are 5 verses God has given us to spur hope and how hope spurs health.

What is Hope?

God gave us the definition of hope. In Romans it says “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  (Romans 11:1).

It may sound silly to some to have assurance in what you cannot see. But for the Believer, it’s this assurance that drives and directs our lives. In science, hope may be defined or described as “a positive motivational state…derived sense of successful goal-directed energy and pathways to meet goals” (1).

And this is okay, too. But it’s the hope of God that goes beyond motivation, beyond energy, and gives a truly life-changing gift.

Hope from God: 5 Verses

1. Rejoice in Hope

Romans 5:1 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

2. Do Not Fear

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

3. Hope in God

Psalm 43:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

4. God is with Us

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

5. Hope for the Future

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Hope and Health: The Link

Amazingly, hope goes beyond spiritual health. God has given us the amazing gift of hope, and it affects us physically and mentally too.

The best part?

Since our hope is in Him, completely based on His promises and being, it’s always there. Our God and our hope is steadfast. Here’s how hope and health can go together this summer:

Stress Reducer

Hope is an effective buffer against stress and anxious thoughts. Hope reduces depression, and increases feelings of happiness.

Smiling, laughing, and feeling happy (even when faked) can reduce stress and alter chemicals in the brain (1). These chemical changes flood our bodies and further reduce stress and its effects.

Reduced Pain

Believe it or not, hope itself can reduce physical pain as a natural antithetic as well as the perception of pain.

There’s even a name for it: “cognitive mediation hypothesis.” This hypothesis describes the connection and influence of psychological factors, such as depression and hopelessness, and their relationship to physical pain. In fact, a study of 164 male patients with back pain found that hopelessness has a direct link to depression, and depression can increase physical pain (2, 3).

We can choose hope in God and reduce pain.

More Resilence

Right now, many of us need resilence. Whether we have been affected physically, financially, or mentally by COVID-19, we’ve all been affected. The circumstances seem a bit bleak for the next few months.

But, take heart and have hope. Meditate on God. This hope can increase resilience. Studies have found that the level of hope can predict breast cancer premature mortality (4, 5), and increase survival rates for patients with head and neck cancer versus those who feel pessimistic (6).

Have hope and persevere this summer.

Healthy Aging

No matter your age, it’s important to keep your body healthy year after year. As discussed in 7 Steps to Healthy Aging, healthy eating, exercise, and sleep are all key components of healthy aging.

And our outlook of hope affects all of these.

Hope improves our motivation to eat well and stay active. Hope reduces or stress response to improve our health and sleep. The sleep correlation between depression and stress vs. hope has been well studied (9, 10). Those with hope sleep better.

And, this allows them to improve their aging and health.

Bottom Line

It’s a great time for hope.

And if your hope is in God, nothing’s changed. The God of the Universe is the same today, yesterday, and always. Put your trust and hope in Him this summer. He’s shown us we don’t need to be afraid, He’s with us, and we can rejoice as we hope in the future.

The post 5 Powerful Verses of Hope and Health for the Summer appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

But, Autumn is actually a wonderful season to hold to God’s promises. There’s new hope with Autumn and one that can fill us with thanksgiving. In fact, with each new moment, day, and season, God offers hope, truths, and promises.

Here are 7 Promises of God to hold onto in the midst of changing seasons and Autumn.

7 Promises of God During Changing Seasons and Autumn

1. God is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

“Jesus Christ is the same today and yesterday and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)

No matter how our lives change, God is our Rock. He does not change. He is the One we can depend on to stay the same. He keeps His promises today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

2. There is Sowing and There is Reaping

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” (Psalm 126:5-6)

“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:8-9)

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

On the earth, most of us sow in Spring, tend in Summer, and Reap in Autumn. Autumn is a time to remember that God promises to bring the fullness of what we sow to life. Keep sowing in the Spirit and reap eternal life. Do not become weary even when the days turn shorter and darker. Spring may signify new life, but Autumn signifies the beautiful faithful harvest that God’s promised.

3. Troubles Are Temporary, God’s Love is Forever

4. God is Good, He Loves You, and He is Worthy to Be Praised

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:11-12)

One of the best things about Autumn is Thanksgiving. As you move from a season of green and sunshine to a darker one, let gratitude and thanksgiving shine.  In fact, prepare your heart during October for a 1-2 month (or longer) daily practice of gratitude in the upcoming months.

5. God Holds Your Future

“How abundant are the good things that You have stored up for those who fear You, that You bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in You.” (Psalm 31:19)

If we believe God is good, that He loves us, and that He holds our futures, we can trust Him through all changing seasons. He has stored up good things for you whether in this life or the next. In the meantime, we can meditate on His love and reap the benefits of faith in Him.

6. God Cares for You During All Life’s Worries

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-27)

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:31-39)

It’s utterly amazing that the God of the Universe cares for us. That he knows the hairs on our heads. That He loves us as our Father. Remember during tough seasons, if He is for us, who can be against us?

7. You Can Cast Your Cares on Him

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)

Even though He tells us not to worry or trouble ourselves, our God knows we still do. Changing seasons can cause anxiety. And to that, He says to cast your cares on Him. No guilt. Just love. So, take those burdens of a changing season or otherwise, and give them to God He cares for you.

Autumn Signifies God’s Faithfulness and Our Thanksgiving

What better time to reflect on God’s faithfulness than during the season of harvest? He harvests in our hearts just as our earth can harvest in its fields. Although the day may grow darker and shorter, God’s faithfulness and love shine through more than ever.

As you look to a new and always changing season, find hope in this season of harvest and thanksgiving!

The post Hope During Changing Seasons: 7 Promises from God In Autumn appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

In fact, it’s so powerful, it increases longevity and quality of life both. And best of all, if you don’t already have it, you can get it.

What is it?

Optimism.

It’s simple, but powerful. Here’s what science says about optimism and how it affects longevity and health.

Studies on Optimism and Longevity

A recent study appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, where researchers from Boston studied if different levels of optimism are linked to longer lives (1).

These scientists didn’t actually perform a lab study, but looked to 2 existing ones.

First, they examined the Nurses’ Health Study, which includes approximately 10 years of follow-up of 70,000 women.

Second, they examined the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study. This study is also a great source with about 30 years of follow-up of 1400 men.

In each, participants were asked questions to determine their level of optimism. They answered questions like “In uncertain times, I usually expect the best” or “Overall, I expect more good things to happen to me than bad.”

From these answers, the researchers determined an “optimism score.”

The Results of Optimism and the Fountain of Youth

The researchers found higher scores were strongly linked to longer survival.

The women with the highest 25% of optimism scores lived 15% longer than those in the lowest.

The men with the top 20% of optimism lived 11% longer than men in the lowest 20%.

The scientists accounted for variables to show statistical significance, including demographics, health conditions, and depression.

What the Results Mean

Optimism was associated with “exceptional longevity,” which is defined as living to greater than age 85.

The most optimistic women and men in the study were 50% and 70% more likely to reach exceptional longevity.

Other Variables

While demographics and mental health were accounted for, other variables and lifestyle habits may still play a part. For example, smoking.

When the scientists adjusted for these, the numbers changed slightly.

However, it’s tough to say whether the lifestyle habit is a variable on its own, or if it too, is influenced by level of optimism.

Does being optimistic make you more likely to exercise, not smoke, and take care of your body? If so, living longer is a direct benefit of optimism and should be part of what makes optimism a potent fountain of youth.

Can Optimism Become a Learned Habit?

Of course, any outlook on life can be learned, and discipline in that habit can make it stick.

This is especially true for anyone who believes, trusts, and has a relationship with God!

Studies show that approximately 25% of optimism is heritable (2). Our genes and our personalities play a large role. However, that leaves 75% available for change.

In fact, studies show you can create a habit of optimism and increase your level with prayer, meditation, journaling, and gratitude, even with just 2 weeks of intervention (3).

In addition, the more you take initiative with healthy behaviors, such a healthy diet, and exercise, the more optimistic you’ll become. It’s a great cycle (4).

What the Scripture Says About Optimism

The Bible is the greatest written resource for optimism. By studying and believing it, you can learn the habit os optimism. Here are 5 verses to start:

1. Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
2. Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
3. John 14:27 –  ^“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
4. Romans 15:13 – ^“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
5. Philippians 4:12-13 – ^“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

More Free Anti-Aging Habits

Want more free fountain of youth habits, and how hope affects health? Check out our previous posts:

Free Anti-Aging Habits in 24 Hours (Part 1)

Free Anti-Aging Habits in 24 Hours (Part 2)

5 Ways Hope Affects Health

Bottom Line

The fountain of youth is right at your fingertips. It’s available to you, through God, as you tap into his promises and look to the future with optimism. He’s given you ways to improve health, mental outlook, and aging. Be diligent in forming the mental habit of optimism. Look to the bright side, God’s side, today!

The post Is This Habit a Free Fountain of Youth? appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

First, there was hope lost for early Christians when Christ was crucified. Then, unimaginable hope when they found Him resurrected!

Now, we have the hope and faith through Christ, for this life and the next. Both are beautiful gifts from God.

Beyond our spiritual lives, these gifts can affect our health. In fact, they can manifest both mentally and physically.

We need hope as spiritual beings, and our bodies need hope as well.

What Is Hope?

The Bible says “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  (Romans 11:1).

Medical experts and scientists who study the effects of hope often describe it as “a positive motivational state…derived sense of successful goal-directed energy and pathways to meet goals” (1).

This Easter, think about the hope that’s been offered to you. Then, carry this hope throughout the year.

God has provided faith and hope. Most importantly, this means salvation.  But while in the flesh, amazingly, God’s hope affects health as well.  Here’s how:

5 Ways Hope Affects Health

Hope is A Natural Pain Reducer

We will all feel physical pain during our lives. Unfortunately, some deal with it more than others.

Hope can act as a natural antithetic and reduce your perception of pain. And inversely, hopelessness can compound physical pain.

In fact, there is a hypothesis about how this works. It’s called the “cognitive mediation hypothesis.” This hypothesis describes the connection and influence of psychological factors, such as depression and hopelessness, and their relationship to physical pain.

One study of 164 male patients with back pain supports previous findings that hopelessness has a direct like depression, and depression can increase physical pain (2, 3).

Our Spirit, mind, and body connection is amazing, and all need care!

Hope Increases Resilience

When faced with a grim health situation, those with hope often display more resilience.

They can see difficult circumstances and obstacles to be overcome. Those who feel hopeless, often cannot see over, around, or beyond them.

In fact, studies have found that the level of hope in young patients with breast cancer significantly predicted premature mortality. (4, 5).

Another showed that hopeful and optimistic head and neck cancer patients had greater survival rates a year after diagnosis than those who were pessimistic (6).

Of course, this is no way implies that those with hope will live, and any who’ve died from diseases such as cancer did not have hope.

But in studies, scientists see a trend of longer life with these diseases in those who are more hopeful.

They also see a better quality of life in the hopeful, including less depression and fatigue in those living with AIDS (7).

Hope Increases Adherence to Healthy Habits

In both children and adults, hope influences adherence to healthy habits.

In fact, those with hope are more likely to do what a health practitioner instructs.

What’s more, those who are hopeful often report a better diet, higher levels of physical activity, and overall healthier lifestyle than those who feel hopeless.

Hope Reduces Stress

In the brain, hope can act as a buffer against stress and anxious thoughts.

What’s more, hopeful people report that they laugh and smile more than those without hope.

This may be obvious.

But, did you know that the physical act of smiling and laughing, even when not sincere (forced), can reduce stress, both physical and mental?

In fact, laughter can alter dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin activity (8).

Our brains respond to positive physical changes in our body, including those that come with moving our facial muscles to smile and laugh.

Hope Improves Aging

Hope affects us throughout our lifecycle. It even helps us age better.

In fact, as discussed in 7 Steps to Healthy Aging, healthy eating, exercise, and sleep are all key components of healthy aging.

Hope affects all of these.

First, hope helps our motivation to eat well and stay active.

Next, it can reduce our stress response, which in turn improves our health.

And, lastly, those with hope sleep better than those without it.

One study of 156 women with breast cancer found a link between hope and depression, and these emotions and sleep quality (9).

Other studies have found links between hopelessness and insomnia. And then, sadly, this insomnia and suicidal ideation (10).

Simply put, our bodies need sleep to function day to day, and throughout life as we age. Hope is a gift from God that can improve our well-being, even through sleep.

Bottom Line

No matter if you’re facing health difficulties or not, your God-given gift of hope affects health by reducing stress, reducing pain, motivating you towards healthy habits and healthy aging, and improving your determination and resilience.

This Easter, bask in the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Carry it with you year round.

And for your Spirit, Mind, and Body, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

The post 5 Ways Hope Affects Health appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.