HEALTH

I have always been low maintenance.

No mani-pedis or expensive hair treatments. No fancy makeup. I have carried the same purse for months. I love jewelry, but most were given to me as gifts or inherited from my Mom’s vast costume jewelry collection. I had never had a massage until my sons gave me a spa gift certificate for my birthday a few years ago. It took me three years to use it, just before it expired. I chose a facial treatment, and it was a lovely experience.

Then, to celebrate our twenty-second wedding anniversary, my husband and I decided to spend a few days in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and he arranged for us to have a 1-hour couple’s massage. Having previously had a facial massage, I was good with that. I wasn’t sure about a full-body massage with a stranger, however. But I almost fell asleep with my husband on a table next to me, in a darkened room with relaxing music! It smelled good, too! It was luxurious, and I’m glad we did it, but once was enough for me.

I do love clothes; new, old, or used, I don’t care. My latest thing is watching YouTube videos of women who show you how to dress to look your best with what you currently have in the body department. You can look thinner without wearing a tent or what looks like old pregnancy clothes. That reminds me. Remember “smock tops” from the 1970s? Mine had pockets. I remember my mom shaking her head at the thought of pregnancy wear being in style for young women. I loved them because they were a comfortable respite from the tight, hip-hugger, bell-bottom jeans we used to wear.

In addition to wanting to look my best, I try to keep healthy because I know my health is an investment. I won’t get rich off it, but I will most likely prosper with a better quality of life in my old age. There are some things we have no control over, but most of us know what we can control, such as what we eat, how active we are, how much sleep we get, and how we nurture our thoughts and attitudes. What about our spiritual life?

Did you know a study conducted at Harvard University concluded that a rich religious faith is linked with better health outcomes and is an essential part of whole-person care? In fact, spiritual practices can lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and lessen the effects of mental illnesses. This consensus goes beyond organized religion, but because I’m a Christian, I focus on what is in the Bible.

And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16 (Faith always receives, never gives. God is the giver. Affects spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (God’s grace and power are worth more than worldly things. Affects spiritual, emotional, and mental health)

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 (Pray before you sleep. Affects physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health)

Those who find rest in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (Our security is in Him. Affects our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health)

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. Jeremiah 33:6 (Realize Christ is the cure for sin. Affects spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health)

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. Genesis 1:29 (Eat fruits and vegetables except for the Tree of Life. Affects physical, mental, and spiritual health)

“Since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?””Since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” Mark 7:9. (Don’t stress. We can eat anything. Affects our physical and mental health)

“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25. (Don’t worry. Affects emotional, physical, and mental health)

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33
( Put God first in your life, and He will provide. Affects emotional and mental health)

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 1 Timothy 4:4. (Practice gratitude. Affects mental and emotional health)

Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 1 Timothy 3:3 (Drink in moderation. Be kind. Don’t be greedy. Affects physical and mental health)

And last but not least, I end with John 3:16, which says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (Affects spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health)

These are just a handful of verses that guide how to live a healthier life here on Earth. But the eternal benefit outweighs them all. I pray you regularly consult the greatest whole-body physician there is…YAHWEH.

Be healthy.

Reflection: What can I do to achieve whole-body health? Ask God to reveal what He wants you to do, and for wisdom and courage to follow through with His help.