Sermon On An Endorphins Rush

Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

If we can continue to raise a smile through the bad times as well as the good, then our bodies effectively remain receptive to God’s love and nutrition. Spiritual feeding can sustain well-being, it replaces the hunger and thirst that, so often, is encountered in our daily lives. It may be provided directly from God through the words of scripture, sermons, group discussions and church to name but a few.

Martin Luther, a German priest and theologian once remarked: “God wants to be praised for nourishing and cherishing, for God cherishes all creatures. God is not only the creator, but is also the sustainer and nourisher.” Matthew 4:4 reminds us: But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

The pain and stresses of life that everyone encounters from time to time may be alleviated by an endorphins rush, but that is only a temporary relief. An endorphins rush is not permanent or even long-lasting. It can be short, but precise. However, people need something more substantial to ensure a way through life and reduce its level of discomfort. This is where God can help. If God is in our life, the burdens that an existence continuously encounters may be reduced through God’s love and protection.

He will give us courage and strength to overcome the most painful of circumstances. He will guide and lead us to a place of safety where peace in our hearts prevails. In the assured knowledge that He is continually with us, the tension of life is relieved, providing a similar experience to an endorphins rush but on a much larger scale.

John 5:19-24 reminds us: So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.“

Amen.