- Read Psalms 31:10 and Ecclesiastes 8:1.
Psalms 31:10 describes how despair and other negative feelings take a toll on our physical wellbeing. There are many hypothalamic disorders that result in physical maladies such as wasting away (cachexia), obesity, sleep disturbances, dehydration, as well as a wide range of emotional disorders, which cause the body great harm over time.
Similarly, in Ecclesiastes 8:1, Solomon describes how anxiety, anger, sorrow, and frustration can harden one's face, but enjoyment of life and attaining wisdom will reverse these conditions.
- Discuss how stress can cause excessive and prolonged cortisol release and the types of disease states that may develop as a result. How does long-term stress impact the endocrine system and the body over time?
- Optional: In addition, you may mention and discuss in your response to any characters in the Bible who suffered from disease or disturbances, such as sleeplessness, that might have resulted from endocrine disorders.
- Please provide any sources used to answer