Faith and Health Connection-Spiritual Exercises

The medical community recognizes the significance of the faith and health connection. According to a poll of doctors by the American Academy of Family Physicians, 99% of physicians say that religious beliefs can make a positive contribution to the healing process. This is, perhaps, the tip of the iceberg.

“Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. " 1st Timothy 4:7-9 

Spiritual Exercise might be defined as any belief or intentional behavior that helps one become more like God, draw closer to Him, know Him better or that follows the principles or commandments of God. In most translations of the Bible, the word godliness is used instead of spiritual exercise. The more we become like God, the more spiritually fit we will be and the more we will experience a full life.

God wants for each of us, to live a life full of joy, peace, kindness and love. This is what Jesus had in mind when he told us in John 10:10 that he came to give us a full and abundant life. In addition to having an eternal life, which we can have if we believe in Jesus, we can have a truly wonderful life on earth before we die if we live according to the principles that God lays out for us in the Bible. Part of having a full life is being healthy. When we enjoy good physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health we are better able to do the type of things that we want to do and enjoy doing. We are better able to use the gifts and talents that God has given us. Our life is more meaningful.

Much has been written over the years about spiritual exercises. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, who lived in the 15^th century, wrote an influential book titled Spiritual Exercises where he wrote about his struggles to grow closer to God and of the benefit of certain behaviors. When practiced, these activities would help him grow in his faith. Scientific research is showing that when people practice certain spiritual behaviors that are associated with their faith, their health is positively impacted. Many of the behaviors that have been identified in this research can be considered spiritual exercise. Activities like praying, believing in God, attending church, socializing or fellowshipping with others and serving others in need have all been shown to have a positive impact on health.

God inspired the writers of the Bible to write about his principles. God loves us and his principles were intended for our good. They were intended as a guide to help us make decisions and to know His will for our life. Read a contemporary version of Psalms 119 and you’ll understand the benefits of following the guidelines set out for us by God. The writer says in verse 93 that his joy and health were restored because he followed God’s principles. Verse two tells us that when we obey his principles we are happy! Throughout the bible God reveals his principles which are a form of spiritual exercises. When we incorporate well defined principles of physical fitness into our exercise routines, we become more physically fit and healthier. A regular exercise program that includes cardiovascular activity, resistance training and flexibility exercises will help us to be more fit. When we eat a variety of foods in moderation and accompany that with physical activity, we are better able to control our weight. When we incorporate God’s principles into our life, we can become more spiritually healthy, and this improved spiritual health can impact on our physical and emotional health.

Spiritual Exercises may impact favorably on one’s emotional and physical health. Research clearly shows there is a strong relationship between many of these attitudes, beliefs and practices and health and well being. 

In Closing

The spiritual exercises addressed here are a few of the principles and disciplines of the Christian faith that, if regularly practiced, will help you grow deeper in your faith. As this occurs, your emotional health should be positively affected. Your emotional health will in turn have a direct impact on your physical health. The more emotionally and physically healthy you are, the more likely you will be better able to use the special gifts and talents that God has given you to make a difference in this world.  

May you be in good health - spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Reference:  Spiritual Exercises for a Healthier Life, Dale A. Fletcher, M.S, The Faith and Health Connection