What the Bible Says About Health | Live to Glorify God

Does God want you to be healthy? Discover what the Bible says about health. God’s Word says that Jesus came to give us abundant life–life and health are tied together. In short, the Bible tells us how we live–walk out that abundant life through every area of our health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually–should glorify God. 

As we open up our Bibles and look at the Word of God through the lens of health, we observe a theme—that God cares deeply about our health. In fact, He intends that we live healthily and prosper.

• “You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.”—Deuteronomy 5:33
• “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”—3 John 2

What the Bible Says About Physical Health

The Bible says that we are to take care of our physical health because it prepares us to fulfill the divine purpose God predestined for us. How we care for our bodies can represent how we honor the Lord, as well as provide a way for us to tap into the strength of Christ. 

• “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”—Romans 12:1
• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”—Philippians 4:13

Health is something many people consider a priority, and while it should never be an idol, it is a reflection of how we think of God’s holy temple. 

• “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”—1 Corinthians 6:19-20

When He created Adam and Eve, they were perfectly healthy. They didn’t experience aches, pains, aging, or death… until sin entered the world. As time went on, sin took its toll on all of creation. The enemy’s first lie targeted the blessing of health.. 

• “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die.’”—Genesis 3:4 

Compromised health was what the enemy used to get his foot in the door.

Live to Glorify God by Aligning Yourself with God’s Promise of Physical Health

Jesus subjected His body to intense persecution so that we may have eternal life and manifest a healthy life on earth so that others can see God’s divine healing. 

• “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”—John 10:10
• “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16

What the Bible Says About Emotional Health

Health is more than being physically capable of stepping into our assignment. We must also seek to be mentally and emotionally healthy, keeping our thoughts and minds on things of God. 

• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…”—Philippians 4:6
• “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”—Philippians 4:8

Anxiety and worry have quickly topped the charts as one of the main pain points of people today. We have plenty to worry about—but Jesus instructs us not to. He says don’t worry about what tomorrow will bring, but rather trust in the Lord’s faithfulness to provide (see Matthew 6:34).

Easier said than done, right?

We are surrounded by manipulation and negativity. The enemy is prowling around, waiting for an open door so he can introduce worry. But the Lord says He gives us a way out of every temptation. When anxiety is pressing in, and your heart is heavy with worry, take those thoughts captive and give them to Christ, making them obedient (see 2 Corinthians 10:5). 

Write down Philippians 4:8 and meditate on those things. What we stress about and our reactions to it impact all aspects of our health. It’s taken years of research for man to finally come into agreement with what the Lord says about health. 

• “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.”—Proverbs 17:22

Live to Glorify God by Aligning Yourself with God’s Promises of Emotional Health

Choose to cancel the negative thoughts and feed your faith. When you think of things above, God will supernaturally impart peace of mind. Renew your mind by declaring His promises.

• “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11
• “…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:7
• “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”—Philippians 4:9
• “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”—Deuteronomy 31:6

It is all about making the decision to be self-disciplined, to have goals that align you with God and the heart to glorify Him in all you do. The Spirit guides us and provides His fruit for our good so that we may come into agreement with the Lord and His will.

What the Bible Says About Spiritual Health

What does it look like to live spiritually healthy? If we ask 50 people, we might get 50 unique answers. Here are a few ways to assess our spiritual health. 

Do we allow God’s Word to correct us?

• “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:16-17

Do we have roots of bitterness and anger that rise up, creating a roadblock to blessings?

• “… looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled…”—Hebrews 12:15

Do we love God’s faithful instruction?

• “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”—Psalm 119:97

How we answer these could indicate the temperature of our spiritual health. Jesus spoke very strong words to those who were “lukewarm” in their faith. 

“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”—Revelation 3:16

Lukewarm doesn’t mean you must be perfect. That would nullify the work of Christ on the cross. However, it does pose a question as to where your priorities lie. The Lord says to seek His Kingdom and righteousness first, and all else will be given to you (see Matthew 6:33). 

We must not forget our first love (see Revelation 2:4). We will have tests and trials. They build our character and faith. But consider where you go to sort out the chaos and confusion surrounding you during those times. You can approach Him with confidence that He is on your side. Expectantly wait for His healing hand. 

Live to Glorify God by Aligning Yourself with God’s Promise of Spiritual Health

• “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.”—Psalm 130:5
• “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”—Colossians 3:15
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”—Proverbs 3:5-6

In Summary: What the Bible Says About Health

Health should not be our ultimate goal, but it must be something we pursue only to help us reach our life goal of glorifying God in all we do. 

We must understand what the Bible says about health to fulfill our purposes and walk in covenant blessing. Health can be an indicator of other matters in our lives. We can take our health worries and concerns to God and ask Him to speak His truth into our situation. 

Is a healthier lifestyle something you want to set a goal for in the coming year? Ask God to show you small steps you can take to live out what the Bible says about health in your everyday life. If you are looking for a way to live out what the Bible says about health, get this free resource. Set goals that will position you to grow for days, weeks, months, and years to come.