Understanding Spiritual Wellness
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Theologians and mental health professionals will differ in their definitions of “What is Spiritual Wellness?” Scripturally, I define the concept of spiritual wellness as growing in Christlikeness. Moreover, spiritual wellness is good health that fosters the wellness of the mind, body and soul which manifests joy that comes from the spirit. This joy is the product of faithfulness that is embedded in Truth and obedience to God.
Consider the words of Apostle John, who at the end of his life, wrote: “Dear Friend I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3 John 2-4).”
Key concepts in this passage are prayer, soul, faithfulness, joy, Truth, and walking in the Truth; all of which summarize spiritual connections for spiritual wellness.
The Impact of Mental Health on Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual practices support mental health by strengthening our capacity for discernment. Discernment is the ability to perceive what is not immediately understood or apparent. Daily, decision-making connects to unrighteousness and righteousness. This connects to mental health. Constantly, we make choices that will enhance or endanger our mental wellness. Your vision, motives, and natural ability are connections to your plans. The Holy Spirit is the Spiritual Facilitator who exists to aid you in carrying out your actions and plans. If your choice is not to utilize this resource, then you will experience negative emotions. This is costly to your mental wellness.
The enemy is Lucifer. He cannot read your thoughts; he is not God; he is not all-knowing. Yet, Satan comes to steal your joy because of your thoughts which become your actions. Therefore, retraining yourself to remember who you are is valuable practice. It is verification by the Word of God. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. This is a beneficial pattern to your overall well-being.
Practical Tips for Cultivating Both Areas
What are some ways to integrate spiritual practices into our daily routine for mental wellness? Medically, the American Psychological Association documents the benefits and connection of spiritual wellness in therapy. Although there are mental health professionals who dismiss people’s faith in healing, the research validates traditions of those who believe in God’s higher power. Spiritual practices among the faith community include mediation, prayer and community involvement as personal tools of spiritual wellness and mental health.
Most importantly, the Word of God teaches us that spiritual-minded people engage in practical strategies for enhancing the spirit. These strategies bring harmony and peace. 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 provides a list of these practices that are good for life and daily routine:
- Be patient with all
- Uphold the weak
- Rejoice always
- Pray without ceasing – (Which simply means that you recognize that God is with us. In our thoughts and actions, He is actively available through the Holy Spirit in our thoughts and actions.)
- In everything, give thanks
- Do not quench the Spirit
- Do not despise prophecies
- Do not render evil for evil
- Hold fast what is good
- Abstain from every form of evil
- Always pursue what is good
Obviously, this list is challenging. Markedly, the Lord knows that a fallible people cannot do infallible things. We need His help. Specifically, this is the reason that He gives us grace and mercy that is new every day.
Conclusion: Achieving Holistic Well-Being
In conclusion, daily engage in practical strategies that sharpen your spiritual wellness. Start your day with God and end your day with Him. Let Him know that He has your attention and you want him to lead you in every task. Iron sharpens iron. Sharpen yourself. Sharpen those around you. For similar blogs, we suggest these posts:
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