A Sheltering Tree: 12/25/11

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.

~Redd Foxx

First of all, I hope you do not take this post as complaining. It’s simply and sincerely meant as an explanation of where I’m coming from in choosing my 2012 word: Healthy. I feel God’s blessing on my chosen word–and have sensed an urging for a couple months.

Healthy. This may seem like an unusual word to claim for the year, but my health keeps me from ministry activities. There are times when I force myself to do what is asked, then spend the next three days dealing with the extra pain it caused.

Healthy—what does that mean? I’ve been exploring what all it entails ever since God presented it to me. It’s not a word that I’d think would describe me. Migraines, diabetes, fibromyalgia, hypertension, and continuous muscle pain would put me in the unhealthy group.

I’m not talking about dieting, increasing therapy, or exercising to lose weight (but I wouldn’t mind losing). It’s researching the best foods for my health issues then using that information to eat healthier. It’s drinking a full glass of water when taking pills, working toward kidney health. It’s getting enough sleep so my body is rested. It’s exercising through the pain (for greater mobility), taking vitamins and learning to say no to some things.

Names of God Study Bible
Gift from RB

Healthy is working towards mental health: writing in my journal every day, dealing with procrastination and memorizing more Scripture to meditate on. It’s spending time with healthy and positive people who give me energy, and limiting my time with those whose hobby is complaining.

Added to that is spiritual health by spending more time reading and studying Scripture. It’s keeping in an attitude of prayer throughout the day even though I’ve spent concentrated time with God the Father through Jesus the Son. It’s living Philippians 4:8 by doing my best to fill my mind and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious---the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not to things to curse.

It’s time– time to begin praying for a miracle. I feel like I cannot ask God for a health miracle without doing my part to lead a healthier life.

I’ve always felt unworthy to ask God for a miracle -- unworthiness because I didn’t pray enough, share the Gospel frequently enough, give enough…all those enoughs and many more reasons. But my Bible tells me that Jesus will do anything I ask in His name—because it will bring glory to the Father. That includes enabling me to do my part towards living healthier.

There’s my word: Healthy. I’d love to share a grandiose word like intentional, renewal or perseverance. But God gave me healthy and in my obedience it will become grandiose. I’m determined to do my part and if God (Who knows my future) chooses not to heal me, next year’s word could be acceptance.

So with joy, anticipation and peace I embrace my 2012 word: Healthy.

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