There is way more to wellness than kale salad, omega oils and green juice (although, let’s face it, these are indeed a fabulous start!). Glowing health, I believe, works its way from the inside out. It’s a delicate dance between spirit, soul and body, and so when we talk about health, we must always bear all three components in mind. As I’ve made my own journey towards better health, I’ve been blown away by how rich the Scriptures are in teaching us about God’s plan for our well-being. Do you know that His intention for you, as His beloved daughter, is that you would live an abundant life? He wants you living whole and free in body, soul and spirit, and He has already provided all that you need in order to live in His fullness (see John 10:10).
Very obviously, caring for our bodies is elemental in our pursuit of good health. It goes without saying that exercise, healthy eating, supplementation, hydration, rest and sleep are important building blocks for well-being. Do your research, find out what works for you and your unique body and personal make-up. I’m learning that while certain fundamentals apply to us all, there are no hard and fast rules, or “one size fits all” approaches to health. I would counsel you to know your own body and what it needs to thrive. Your body is an incredible resource and it is yours to care for and steward. The Message bible says we are to, “learn to appreciate and give dignity” to our bodies, “not abusing them…” (1 Thessalonians 4:4). Learn to accept and love your body, no matter its shape, size or imperfections. Honour your body by listening to it. Grant it the rest, nourishment and care that it may be asking for.
What about emotional and mental health? These are just as important to God as our spiritual and physical well-being. 3 John 1:2 (TPT) gives us a beautiful insight into the intricate connection between soul (emotions, will and thought life) and body health. It reads as follows: “Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering.” Do you see the connection? As our souls prosper, it is likely that our bodies will too. Proverbs 17:22 tells us that “a happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing”. The mind-body connection is undeniable!
So, what does a prospering soul look like? I would like to paint a fuller, more detailed picture, but in point form I believe it looks something like this: • One who knows herself (self-awareness, knowing what your strengths and weaknesses are. Knowing what fills and drains you etc) • One who is wholehearted (having all parts of our hearts intact and well-integrated and living according to His original design for us) • One who is able to process and deal with negative emotions • One who practises gratitude and lives in fullness of joy • One who is living daily with purpose and intentionality • One who has healthy boundaries in place • One who lives with love, power and a sound mind • One who is open to mental development and has a love for learning • One who gives and receives love generously
At the very core of our beings, even deeper than our souls, lies that part of us that relates to God, our spirits, or hearts, if you like. Your heart is the epicentre of your entire being, Heaven’s portal into your life. Here you seek meaning and purpose and supernatural help. Here you experience Divine Love. Our spirits then, full of God Himself, become like a wellspring within us and flow towards all other areas of our lives. Proverbs 4:23 (TPT) says the following: “So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.”
Notice how important our spiritual health is! God asks that we guard our hearts’ affections above all else. This speaks of watching over, protecting and taking care of the matters of the heart. He instructs us to give attention to the welfare of our innermost beings. Why? Because from there flows the wellspring that will water the rest of our beings, namely our souls and bodies! Your spirit man needs to be alive and well and directing body and soul. I am certain that truly vibrant health is strongly underpinned by a robust spiritual life. We are designed to connect with the eternal. Something is fundamentally amiss if we don’t.
At the point of salvation, your spirit is reborn. The redemption is instant. There and then your spirit enters the realm of the unlimited. You are blessed with every spiritual blessing and given everything you need for life and Godliness. Our bodies and souls, however, remain in the realm of the finite. Here we have limited resources: limited emotional capacity, limited energy and physical reserve. We have this treasure (spiritual wealth) in jars of clay (body and soul). Life happens, we experience pain, loss and even trauma. Our bodies are exposed to stress and an imperfect environment. Perhaps then, when Paul spoke of “working out our salvation” (Philippians 2:12), he was referring also to seeing this spiritual abundance being worked into our souls and bodies; the infinite touching and being worked out through the finite. This, friends, is a life-long journey, but one that we must embark upon for abundant well-being. God is a most dedicated Gardener and will tend to your heart as you open it in full trust to His perfect love. Look at one of His many extravagant promises to you and take it deeply into your spirit. It will nourish you… “The Lord will always show you where to go and what to do, filling you with refreshment when you are dry, and in a difficult place. He will continually restore strength to you. You will flourish like a well-watered garden, and be like an ever-flowing, trustworthy spring of blessing.” Isaiah 58:11 (TPT) May your own journey of health be directed by Him and may you find abundant life in Him daily!
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