“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”

— Proverbs 3:7–8

When did you last hear a health news update about another food to avoid or another theory on exercise? We live in such a health-conscious society, and we seem to constantly hear ways to promote our health through proper diet, exercise, and annual checkups. No doubt these precautions are of value. But underlying our physical health is our spiritual health. In reality, God controls every germ, every virus, and every bacterium. He’s ultimately in control of our health, just as He controls life and death.

If you would have “health to your flesh, and strength to your bones,” then fear the Lord and depart from evil. If we want true health, we need to pursue good. We need to reject the idea that we can find happiness or fulfillment by compromising with the world and engaging in sinful amusements. After all, many sinful and evil practices, such as substance abuse and promiscuity, result in bad health. Instead, we need to find our joy by following God.

As long as we live in this fallen world, we’ll experience sickness and sorrow. Many godly people live with pain every minute of their lives, and good health is no measure of spirituality. Only in Heaven will we be totally free from sickness and pain. And yet, generally speaking, we’ll gain life and health if we follow God’s ways. Recent studies have shown the link between being spiritually committed and having good health. One recent article documented the link between mental and physical health and being a committed Christian; it was appropriately entitled “For good health, go to church.”

How can you walk in God’s ways today to gain “health to your flesh, and strength to your bones”?

“God helps the sick in two ways, through the science of medicine
and surgery and through the science of faith and prayer.”
Norman Vincent Peale