Nurturing Your Body and Spirit Together Establishes Wellness from Within
- Emmanuel Abimbola Contributing Writer
- Published Jul 21, 2023
True wellness begins from within, where the transformative power of God's love and truth resides.
Wellness from Within encompasses the holistic well-being of an individual, encompassing their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It is a state of thriving that goes beyond the mere absence of illness, embracing a vibrant and balanced life in alignment with God's design. As Christians, understanding and pursuing wellness from within is important, as it enables us to fulfill our God-given purposes and live lives that bring glory to Him. 3 John 1:2 says,
"Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." NLT
This verse reminds us that God desires our overall well-being, including the health of our souls. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, highlighting the significance of nurturing all aspects of our being.
Wellness is rooted in faith.
To experience wellness from within, we must first recognize the importance of cultivating a vibrant relationship with God. Psalm 139:14 declares,
"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” NLT
Acknowledging our identity as God's masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully created, empowers us to prioritize our well-being. A crucial aspect of wellness from within is nurturing our spiritual health. This involves cultivating a deep and intimate connection with God through prayer, studying His Word, and engaging in fellowship with other believers. Jesus Himself reminds us in Matthew 4:4,
"But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” NLT
Acknowledge your identity.
By nourishing our souls with the truth of God's Word, we find spiritual strength and guidance for our lives. Moreover, wellness from within encompasses emotional and mental well-being. Proverbs 17:22 affirms,
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength."
It is vital to address emotional wounds, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate a positive mindset rooted in God's promises. By surrendering our worries, anxieties, and fears to Him, we find peace and healing. Additionally, physical health is an integral part of wellness from within. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20:
"Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."
Taking care of our bodies through regular exercise, nourishing food choices, and adequate rest honors God and allows us to serve Him effectively. Embracing wellness from within is important for us as believers because it enables us to live purposefully, serving God and others wholeheartedly. When we prioritize our well-being, we are better equipped to fulfill our calling, love our neighbors, and be agents of positive change in the world. Moreover, wellness from within radiates outward, inspiring others to seek a vibrant relationship with God and experience holistic well-being themselves.
God created us to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit.
In the divine blueprint of creation, God designed us to experience holistic wellness—body, mind, and spirit—as a reflection of His perfect design. The Bible provides a solid foundation for understanding the basis of wellness, revealing God's intention for us to be healthy and whole in every aspect of our being. From the very beginning, God created humanity in His image, bestowing upon us a unique identity and purpose. In Genesis 1:27, it is written,
"So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female, he created them.."
This affirms our inherent value and worth as beings created in the likeness of God, including our physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. When God formed the first human, Adam, He carefully crafted every aspect of his being. Genesis 2:7 states,
"Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.”
This verse emphasizes the divine intentionality behind our physical bodies, reflecting God's creative power and purpose. Our bodies are not accidental or incidental; they are vessels through which we can experience the fullness of life and bring glory to God. God's desire for our wellness extends beyond the physical realm. In Proverbs 3:7-8, we are instructed,
"Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.”
Here, we see the connection between a reverent relationship with God and our overall well-being. When we align our minds and hearts with God's wisdom and turn away from evil, it brings spiritual and emotional health that impacts our entire being.
As Christians, we are called to stewardship—caring for the bodies, minds, and spirits that God has entrusted to us. This includes making choices that promote health and well-being, cultivating a renewed mind through the study of God's Word, and nurturing our relationship with Him through prayer and fellowship. By prioritizing our holistic wellness, we not only honor God's design for us but also position ourselves to fulfill our purpose and be effective witnesses for Him.
How sin, stress, and society can hinder your wellness journey.
As we embark on our wellness journey, we must acknowledge the barriers that can impede our progress. Sin, stress, and societal pressures are common obstacles that can hinder our pursuit of holistic well-being. However, through God's grace and wisdom, we can navigate these challenges and find ways to overcome them. Sin, as revealed in Romans 3:23, reminds us that we have all fallen short of God's glory. The consequences of sin can manifest in various ways, including unhealthy habits, addictions, and destructive behaviors that undermine our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Recognizing the power of sin in our lives is the first step toward liberation. By confessing our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we open ourselves to His divine grace, which empowers us to break free from destructive patterns and embrace healthier choices.
Stress
Stress is another formidable barrier to wellness that can impact our bodies, minds, and spirits. The bustling nature of modern-day life, coupled with its demands and responsibilities, can leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus extends an invitation to those burdened by stress, saying,
"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Anxiety
We are called to cast our anxieties upon the Lord, finding solace and rejuvenation in His presence. Cultivating a habit of prayer, meditation, and seeking God's peace enables us to manage stress effectively and restore balance in our lives.
Pressure
Moreover, societal pressures can exert a significant influence on our wellness journey. The world often bombards us with unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness, leading to comparison, self-doubt, and discontentment. In Romans 12:2, we are encouraged to resist conformity to the patterns of this world and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Embracing our identity and worth in Christ allows us to reject societal expectations and align ourselves with God's truth.
By immersing ourselves in Scripture, surrounding ourselves with a supportive Christian community, and focusing on God's purpose for our lives, we can break free from the destructive influence of societal pressures and pursue wellness on our terms. To overcome these barriers, we must be intentional and proactive in our approach. Engaging in self-reflection and introspection allows us to identify areas of sin, stress, and societal pressures that hinder our well-being. Seeking accountability and support from trusted friends, mentors, or counselors provides guidance and encouragement on our journey.
We must prioritize self-care, including physical exercise, nourishing our bodies with healthy food, and fostering healthy relationships. Additionally, nurturing our spiritual well-being through regular prayer, meditation, and studying God's Word strengthens our inner resilience and equips us to face the challenges that arise.
Ways to incorporate healthy habits into your daily life.
Incorporating healthy habits into our daily lives is key to nurturing our overall wellness. Through the practices of prayer, meditation, exercise, nutrition, and rest, we can create a foundation of holistic well-being that honors God and promotes a vibrant life.
Prayer
Prayer, as emphasized in Philippians 4:6-7, is a powerful tool that connects us to the divine, providing comfort, guidance, and strength. Engaging in regular prayer allows us to deepen our relationship with God, find solace in His presence, and experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Bible Study
Psalm 1:2 calls us to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. Taking moments to reflect on God's Word and His truths allows us to renew our minds and align our thoughts with His perspective. It opens our hearts to His wisdom and guidance, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose.
Exercise
Exercise is an essential practice for physical well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity not only strengthens our bodies but also uplifts our mood, reduces stress, and enhances our overall quality of life. Whether it is through walking, running, swimming, or any other form of exercise, we honor God by taking care of the vessel He has entrusted to us.
1 Corinthians 10:31 encourages us to eat and drink in a way that brings glory to God. Nourishing our bodies with wholesome, balanced meals fuels us with the energy and nutrients necessary for optimal functioning. By choosing foods that honor God's creation and prioritizing a well-rounded diet, we demonstrate stewardship of our bodies and promote vitality.
Rest
Psalm 127:2 acknowledges the importance of God's gift of rest. Incorporating periods of relaxation into our routines allows us to recharge physically, mentally, and spiritually. It enables us to find balance amidst life's busyness, replenishing our energy and enhancing our overall well-being.
Incorporating these practices of wellness into our daily lives requires consistency and discipline. Setting aside dedicated time for prayer and meditation, scheduling regular exercise sessions, making informed choices about our nutrition, and prioritizing adequate rest all contribute to a lifestyle of wellness. As we commit ourselves to these practices, we not only honor God with our bodies but also position ourselves to live out our God-given purpose. Our well-being affects our ability to love and serve others, and by prioritizing our wellness, we become vessels through which God's love and grace can flow to those around us.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/gnagel
