“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” – Matthew 6:25
By now, many of you know that I am embarking on a journey of optimal health. Its primary focus is, of course, losing excess weight, while also developing habits that will lead to maintain the healthy lifestyle once the physical goals are reached. As I’ve learned to choose my foods wisely, drink the right amount of water, and get enough sleep, I am reaping the benefits of following this program. To help guide and encourage me, I have a personal health coach with whom I am in contact several times during the week for advice and direction. Additionally, I have some friends I have made who are on this same journey, and we share our struggles and our victories as well as our recipes! There is a lot of work that goes into this health journey, but I am excited to be on it, especially as I see the changes in my energy level and my physical appearance.
It’s important to me to put the same effort into the spiritual part of me. To have a “skinny” soul is not what I want, so I must work to beef up that aspect of my being. Similar to choosing the right foods to put into my body, I have to choose what is right to put into my spirit by paying attention to what I watch on television, what I read in books, magazines, and social media, where I go, and with whom I associate (whether in person or online). Am I providing my soul with the nourishment it needs? How often do I read my Bible? Do I faithfully attend church? Am I involved in service for the Lord? “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15)
Again, like my physical health coach, I also have a spiritual health coach! I have the Holy Spirit within me, and when times get tough, I know that the Spirit of God will encourage, guide, and correct me when necessary. He not only equips me with the tools I need to be successful in my spiritual journey, but He teaches me how to use these tools in my life. I have the Bible which is filled with wisdom, truth, and instruction for a healthy, godly spiritual life, and as I read it, He opens my eyes to exactly what I need in any given situation. Jesus’ words are recorded in Luke 4:4 where He says, “…It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”
I also have a community of like-minded friends in my spiritual journey, just like I have in my physical health program! As members of God’s family, I have an entire church full of brothers and sisters in Christ who lift me up when I need it! Hebrews 10:24-25 records, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” They support me with prayer; they offer words of encouragement, and when I share my spiritual victories, they celebrate with me! 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
Lastly, I have a direct link to the “founder” of my spiritual journey, and He’s available 24/7 through personal prayer. What’s so awesome about this is that He wants me to bring Him every concern on my heart, and He’s ready to provide the answers I need to move forward in my spiritual health journey! Philippians 4:6 states, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
It’s not easy becoming physically fit, and it’s just as challenging to “get in shape” spiritually, but with God’s help, I can fortify my spiritual life to make it stronger and more fit for the Master’s use! “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)
How about you? What’s your spiritual fitness level? Need some encouragement for your soul? Pick up your Bible and open to the book of Psalms. There are so many wonderful verses that will help kickstart you into a spiritual journey that will bless you in more ways than you can imagine! Just take that first step, then let God lead you. You’ll be surprised at how far you can go, and you’ll feel great!
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
(from “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” by Adelaide A. Pollard)
“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isaiah 64:8
**********
Let the Son shine in your soul today!