Rose Baxter had been hospitalized for a month after surgery of a fractured hip. Her husband had died of a sudden stroke and she had slipped on some ice at his funeral. “I don’t see how anyone can cope with all of this,” said Family Physician, Dr. Harold Koenig.
A traumatic event in life often triggers clinical depression and greatly hinders recovery. When Dr. Koenig went to visit Rose he searched for the obvious signs of depression such as fatigue, tear-reddened or darkened eyes and difficulty in concentration. To his amazement, he found no such signs. She had a very positive outlook. Although she admitted that it was a sad period, she looked forward to spending time with the rest of her family. At first he thought she was just in denial, but he later realized she was merely coping well with the situation. “What’s your secret?” asked Koenig.
“If I wake up alone or afraid, I read my Bible or talk to God…He’s always there, even when my loved ones are not. It’s the most important thing that keeps me going,” said Rose. When the patient recovered with few complications, Dr. Koenig began to realize the medical significance of a strong faith.
In extensive scientific studies at Duke University School of Medicine, researchers have found that religious faith aids in the recovery of serious illness ad promotes overall good health. Trust in God helps religious patients in their struggle and safeguards them from psychological isolation that often plagues patients with serious diseases. In a study of 455 elderly hospital patients, those who attended church more than once a week averaged four days in hospital, while it took about ten to twelve days of hospitalization for those who never or rarely attended church.
A study of 2812 elderly people at Yale University found that those who never or rarely attended church had nearly twice the rate of stroke as regular, weekly churchgoers. A 16-year study of 3900 people in Israel found that the religious had a 40 percent lower death rate from cardiovascular disease than those who were not religious.
Harvard Medical Professor, Dr. Herbert Benson, notes that 60 to 90 percent of doctor visits are the result of stress-related illnesses. Benson has found that prayer and meditation reduces the impact of stress hormones such as noradrenaline and adrenaline, slows heart rates, lowers blood pressure, and even slows brain waves, all without drugs or surgery.
Science is now confirming the fact that there is true healing in trusting in God and having faith in Him. The Bible has revealed this fact for centuries. “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him” (James 5:15). “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord…” “who forgiveth all thine iniquites; who healeth all thy diseases” (Jer. 30:17, Psalm 103:3).
I am very thankful to God that He is with us in sickness as well as in health. When we or someone dear to us is ill and/or hospitalized, let us remember that God is always near and ready to hear and answer our prayers.
Ly Lan Nguyen
