In our culture, we seek empowerment in our fitness and nutritional goals, even the Bible encourages us that exercise has benefit in 1 Timothy 4:8 “for the training of the body has a limited benefit” and we are to moderate our eating in 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for god’s glory”, but we would also be seeking encouragement and empowerment in our spiritual life, Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be provided for you.”

You may have a career outside the home (or currently in the home!), while others may be homemakers.  Some have small children at home, while others are empty-nesters trying to figure out what to do with their extra time.  Some may be students.  Some may be caretakers.  Whatever position you are in, we share a common need of spiritual, physical, and nutritional wellness.

Examine your season of life.  Is it a balanced life?  When we let our spiritual tanks run low or on empty we are absolutely no good to anyone, even ourselves, but especially God.  Can you think of the last time you responded with a snarky answer, rolled your eyes out loud, or huffed and puffed around the house in a passive aggressive form of punishment to those you love?  Did YOU even “LIKE” you?

It’s so important to fill our mental and emotional tanks spiritually so we can do the tasks that God has designed us to do, whether raising a family, being the best spouse or parent we can be, or fulfilling the call of our career.  If we exercise and haven’t put the good nutrition into our body that is needed for a proper workout, we don’t perform well.  If we don’t fill our minds and hearts with the proper “spiritual nutrition”, we will not live as if the Holy Spirit dwells in us.  

So practically speaking, how do we actively maintain balance in our mind, body and spirit?

Psalm 37:23-23 “A man’s steps are established by the Lord and He takes pleasure in his way.  Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds his hand.”

First we need to re-order our lives and take inventory of what is important and prioritize. This might involve writing down a list of things that you are involved in, reviewing why you are involved in those activities, and deciding which ones are good, better, or best. Looking at the good activities are they enhancing your life? Although something may be better for you, is it the best for you?

Acts 3:20-21 “That times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago.”

Restore your body with rest exercise, vacation and healthy eating. Along with exercise, we have learned the importance of getting proper rest, taking time away, whether to put our feet up or try to increase the number of hours we get to sleep a night. Vacations are also an integral part of our better mental and spiritual well-being. Often being in nature, traveling, or just getting away for the day can help us refocus and clear our perspective on our lives.

Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God: this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.” 

Renew your mind and spirit through times of reflection, meditation and reading. This is something that I try to do each morning before my day begins. Sitting in the quietness and stillness of the early morning, I spend time reading scripture, Bible study or devotional books that help my thoughts align with God’s thoughts. I  journal life events or prayer.  It’s amazing how helpful journaling has been in my life.  Sometimes, it’s good to sit in reflection and be still, contemplating the blessings God has abundantly lavished on us and not be consumed how things “aren’t going well” as we think they ought.

Ephesians 4:4-7 “There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope at your calling-one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in all. Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah’s gift.”

Reconnect with family and friends to establish meaningful relationships. We have learn the importance of family when we are unable to be together, through sickness or other circumstances that keep us apart.  Some of us haven’t been able to be with our family in the way we want to due to distance, broken relationships, or even in death.  We haven’t been able to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or even funerals.  However, we live in a technological age and have so many different ways that we can reach out and be a part of each other’s lives.

If you are living in a “broken relationship”, then I encourage you with Romans 12:18 “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.”  I personally am journeying through a broken relationship within my extended family.  God can still use us to be a minister of peace and grace to those who have wronged us.  Maybe you are the one who has done the wrong…I beg you to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the offence and reconnect with those you love.  It hurts God, the body and you when forgiveness is not extended.

Trusting in the LORD will enable us to walk without fainting through endurance, run without weariness in steadfastness in our faith, soaring like the eagles of the air in maturity, renewing our strength from the One who is our unlimited Source of Strength.  Reorder, restore, renew and reconnect.  Maintain the balance in your life through this God given tools so that you will be healthy in your physical, nutritional and especially your spiritual well being.