Honoring God Through Self-Care: A Journey to Health and Wholeness

In life’s busyness, we often forget to prioritize our own health, focusing instead on meeting the needs of others. However, the Bible reminds us that caring for our physical well-being is a crucial part of honoring God. Our bodies are described as “a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God” (1 Corinthians 6:19, ESV). Taking care of our health is more than a personal choice—it’s a responsibility entrusted to us by God.

A major accident nearly sidelined me from ministry and life a few years ago.  I have had to learn to care for my body, mind, and spirit, realizing that I could only serve others well if I was healthy. In the Bible, Jesus himself takes time to rest, even in the midst of his ministry. After a period of intense work, he said to his disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31, ESV). If Jesus, who was sinless, needed rest, how much more do we?

Life’s challenges and pressures can easily lead us to overwork and neglect our health. I found myself ignoring warning signs, such as high stress levels and physical exhaustion. Yet God’s Word calls us to lay down our burdens and trust in His guidance. As Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Finding moments to rest, recharge, and rely on God’s strength helps us face each day with renewed energy and purpose.

Another crucial reminder is the importance of a balanced mind and heart. Philippians 4:6-7 teaches, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Health includes mental and emotional peace, which can come from trusting in God and making small, daily steps toward a healthier life.

As we honor our bodies, we better prepare ourselves to serve our families, communities, and workplaces. By aligning with God’s guidance for health and balance, we can fulfill His calling with greater strength and joy.