Proverbs 16:23-24 says, “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

I looked up about the honeycomb. It says, “Blood vessels and bone marrow run through other parts of the bones. The holes in the honeycomb-like mesh actually make the bones stronger.”

What weakens bones? In Ezekiel 37 we find one root cause. Speaking of Israel it reveals what they said, “…Our bones are dry, our hope is lost…” Feelings of hopelessness create a stress response of fight or flight.

We are created with two nervous systems. The sympathetic is triggered when we face imminent danger. However it can also be triggered by our negative thoughts and emotions. Our brain doesn’t distinguish between the two.

Chronic stress affects every aspect of our health. Psalm 131:2 says, “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul…” Learning to be still is a practice that keeps us in our parasympathetic state, which allows for rest and digest. 

Before you eat today, pause and be still so your food will have the inner calmness it needs to properly digest your food ~ even before you give thanks for it.