Are you in the process of learning to live healthier? Join us as we offer scripture, insight, and encouragement to help on that journey.

Today’s scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Chris Burkolder):

I am currently (at the age of 33) in a process of learning what eating healthy means to me. Before now I’ve mostly lived to please my mouth regardless of my health. I guess I have always spoiled myself in life.

But now that I am renewing my life in God, I realize that it is the will of God for me to take care of my health. And that I needed to let go of the constant soda, french fries, and potato chips (listed as the three worst foods on the news).

Amazingly, one day, I was offered a soda at a friend’s house and it was then I realized that I had not had a soda, chips, or even french fries for the past full month! The taste of the soda was even hard to get use to again. How did this happen?

I think I realized what it was. I believe that I was so “zoned into” God (trying to do things to please God out of my love for God) that God was taking care of me!

I had (and still do have) a lot to work on spiritually. I’ve had to “unlearn” things about God from my past that aren’t true. I’ve uncovered habits that I despise. While I was working with God to renew, reorganize, and re-imagine my spiritual life, God was working behind the scenes to strengthen my physical life. Amazingly, lovingly, and purposefully, God is taking care of this other part of me — my health. The fruit of the Spirit was mightily at work, especially that last one on the list: self-control.

But strive first for the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Thought for the day: Can our self-control be God-controlled? Ask God how this might work for you.

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.