Recently, there has been a great deal of discussion about healthcare plans. It is difficult for most of us to trust any proposed government plan or program that is over 2,000 pages in length and hasn’t been read by most of our representatives who are voting on the issue.
Many doctors who have discussed this topic with me suggest that up to 50% of our health-related concerns are either directly or indirectly linked to our emotional status. Think about it. Things like ulcers, heart attacks, high blood pressure, insomnia, eating disorders, anxiety problems, and some cancers may have their roots in our emotional state-of-mind.
God has given us remedies for most of our emotionally related problems. Please understand that I believe in just about all the things associated with modern medicine; especially having good doctors. It is interesting that many of the healing paths that evolved over the ages find some of their roots in Scripture. Ultimately, while God may use doctors, medicines, and therapies to help with our cure — the ability to heal comes as a gift from God.
What is God’s ultimate health plan and desire for His creation? Let’s look at a few verses that might help us focus on our health issues:
“Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, God” Psalm 103:3 (NIV)
“’But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV)
“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.” 3 John 2 (NIV)
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:25–27 (NIV)
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” Proverbs 20:29 (NIV)
“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
So, as we think about health-related issues and what insurances will best provide for our future care, let’s not forget to appropriate the healing power of our loving God.
Personal Application
Take time to thank God for the blessings of good health.
How can you utilize the verses mentioned above to encourage someone struggling with health-related issues?
If someone you know is in the hospital, write them a note of encouragement.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.