Mensa Otabil - Be In Health

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We are discussing practical ways to start the new year, the kinds of thoughts we must have as we look at how to increase in every area of our lives. God has called us to increase this year, and we have to set the right priorities. We need to have a clear vision and do important things like building good relationships. Today, we’re talking about health; health is important.

So, Third John, verse 2: «Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers.» As we prosper spiritually-reading the Bible, praying, and seeking God’s kingdom-as our soul is prospering, we must also prosper in health and materially. But today, we’re focusing on prospering in health. We need sound bodies to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives because we need the energy and drive to do the things we have to do. If we don’t take good care of our bodies, our vision can be delayed because we lack the strength to do what we must.

When we look at the Scriptures, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, God speaks about good health and healing for His people. Right from the beginning, we see God promising and providing health, and we see that part of the ministry of Jesus on earth was healing the sick. He spent a lot of time healing the sick to show us how God thinks about our wellness. God wants us well. However, the fact that God wants us well doesn’t mean that, just because He has promised us healing, we can live our lives however we want. We cannot consume all kinds of harmful things. That is why when you read a lot of the law that God gave to Israel, what they ate was important. In fact, right from the book of Genesis in the Garden of Eden, God told Adam what to eat and what not to eat. So, what we eat and how we treat our bodies is important to staying in good health.

For example, we cannot say, «Well, God will heal me; God is my healer; I can eat anything, and I’ll be fine.» That would not be a wise or scriptural way to approach health. Likewise, you cannot say, «Well, God is my healer; I don’t care about anything else.» No, you must practice safety in what you do. Drive wisely, within speed limits, and do everything you can to live a healthy life. Of course, there are things that no one can control; those things you leave to God. But for the things He has put within your control, you must take charge. We need to keep our bodies sound, our minds sound, and be emotionally sound for the great assignment we have. Here are some ideas on things you can do this year to improve your health and keep your mind and body functioning optimally.

First, we start with the spiritual: claim God’s promises of healing; find what God has said, and ask Him to heal you. Let His word become flesh in your life. Whenever you go to church and partake of communion, believe God for your healing because He is your healer. You must be conscious of trusting Him daily for every infirmity in your body to go away.

Claim God’s promises of healing. Then, there are practical steps you can take, such as cutting down on fat in any form and reducing sugar intake. If you can avoid sugar altogether, please do; it will be good for your body. Drink plenty of clean water as much as possible to flush your system. Make it a habit not to eat late at night. I would advise eating by around six in the evening, though we can stretch it to about eight o’clock. After a certain time, you must not eat; ensure you eat a bit earlier so your food has time to digest. It’s good for your body.

Next, incorporate some exercise into your routine. Even a little exercise helps significantly. Engage in some walking or stretching of your body, and make time to rest as much as possible. Every night before you go to bed, cast all your cares on the Lord. Don’t go to bed with anxieties and worries and wake up panicked. Just trust God, cast your cares on Him, sleep peacefully, and wake up rejuvenated to face a new day. Here are a few tips to help us live a healthy life this year.

Let us pray. Please say with me: «Heavenly Father, I commit my body to You. Surround me with good health from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. In Jesus' name, amen.» May the Lord keep you well and healthy throughout the year. I am Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.