I will just come out and say it.. I am against New Year’s resolutions. I think people set them without intention to actually keep them. Plus why should we wait until the new year to better ourselves. This should be a regular occurrence.
Furthermore, as we think about the New Year, we are inundated with messages about improving our bodies after the holidays. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for physical health goals – good sleep, nutrition and exercise. Those are all good things to prioritize in the new year.
But often people focus on physical goals and neglect their spiritual health. 1 Timothy 4:8 says, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Our mind, body and spirit are all interconnected. Spiritual health is one of the most important aspects of our overall well being.
This year make a pledge to improve your spiritual health and become the best version of yourself.
Please note this post may contain affiliate links, read my full disclosure here.
Why is spiritual health important
According to Pub Med, “Spiritual health is that aspect of our well-being which organizes the values, the relationships, and the meaning and purpose of our lives.”
It is foundational to who you are as a Christian. It gives you a sense of purpose and hope.
According to the National Wellness Institute, “those with good spiritual health typically display hope, a positive outlook, forgiveness/self-acceptance, commitment, meaning and purpose, a sense of self-worth, clear values, and feelings of peace.”
Bible verses about spiritual health
Believers cannot experience the goodness and abundance of following Jesus Christ without good spiritual health.
With anything, we should always turn to the Bible to see what it says about spiritual health. There are so many messages out there about what we can do to improve ourselves but when it comes down to it we need to verify by the truth that is the Word of God. These Bible verses will encourage you to commit to improving your spiritual health this year.
Exodus 23:25: Worship the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. I will remove illness from you.
2 Timothy 2:15: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has overran you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so your able to bear it.
Matthew 4:4: But he answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
3 John 1:2: Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health physically just as you are spiritually.
Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
5 ways to improve your spiritual health
As Christians, our actions must become more aligned with our values and beliefs. When setting goals to improve your spiritual health you should ask questions like:
- What will make me feel spiritually nourished?
- What will make me feel joyful and at peace?
- How can I make daily habits that help me grow closer to God?
A few examples of spiritual health goals include:
- Spending time alone with God
- Keeping a Gratitude Journal
- Developing a Meditation Practice
- Fellowship with other Believers
- Serving Your Community
- Praying more
Improve Spiritual Health by Spending Time Alone with God
Jesus often retreated to spend time alone with God. We can learn from him to create regular routines of solitude to hear from God and evaluate what is important in life.
There are many different ways you can engage in the Word, including devotionals, reading plans and Bible studies. My favorite way to spend time alone with God is through the following resources:
NIV Color the Word Bible: I love this Bible because it is bible reading and adult coloring in one. It is a great way to get creative and memorize Bible verses.
YouVersion Bible App: Not going to lie, I usually read my Bible on my phone and this app helps do just that. Not only can you read the Bible but you can also download devotionals and invite your friends and family to join you. Usually at the end there is an application piece where you can discuss and share your insights into what you just learned.
Logos Bible App: This application offers great commentary on what you are reading. It can help you break down what you might not understand or dive deeper into what you are learning.
Improve your spiritual health by spending time alone with God. The Word of God can be a powerful way to spiritually nourish our souls.
Keep a Gratitude Journal to Improve Spiritual Health
A gratitude journal is an excellent idea to keep track of your spiritual health. Write about your faith journey or things you are grateful for and watch how God faithfully shows up in your life. This is also good for introspection and reconnecting your thoughts with God.
Meditate to Improve Spiritual Health
Taking deep breaths and focusing on the present can help improve your spiritual health. Meditate on the Word of God or use a guided meditation. The abide app is a great one to get quick meditations into your daily routine.
This is a time to stop doing anything and really connect with God. Plus you can also have the physical and mental benefits of reduced anxiety and depression. Just the process of slowing down and noticing your surroundings can help you tremendously towards your overall wellness.
Improve Spiritual Health through Fellowship with Other Believers
We are made for the community. This is one of the most fundamental parts of building up our spiritual health.
Fellowship with other believers can hold us accountable and encourage us towards meeting our spiritual health goals. Reach out to your local church and get involved with a ministry group.
Improve Spiritual Health by Serving Your Community
You can and should improve your spiritual health by investing your time in serving your community. Jesus came to humbly serve others.
We are called to emulate Christ so we should extend the same love to our neighbors. Helping others can also give you a sense of purpose and gratitude.
Prayer for Improving Spiritual Health
Prayer is foundational to your spiritual health. Why not make a decision this year to make prayer a priority in your life. Ask God to remove any barriers that are keeping you from improving your spiritual health.
“Lord, I thank and praise you for the gift of health and wellbeing. May I grow day by day to be more like you through prioritizing my spiritual health. Saturate my heart with your Word and show me the areas that I need to improve. I want to reflect your grace and kindness through what I prioritize in my life. I pray that your glory is magnified in all that I say and do. Thank you for your guidance and wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
What are some of your favorite ways to focus on your spiritual health throughout the year? Please share your ideas on what helps you commit to achieving your spiritual health goals.
