God’s Owner’s Manual for Your Body

“Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity."

Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV)

If I had a pill that promised to add years to your life, you’d probably pay a lot of money for it. But what if I told you that, as a Christian, you already have the key to help you live a long, healthy life—and that it’s free?

God has given you all the principles for health management in his Word, the Bible. The Bible is the owner’s manual for your body. As David says, “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws” (Psalm 119:73 TLB). Deuteronomy 32:47 says, “These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land . . .” (NLT).

God, in effect, says, “If you do what I tell you to do with your health, you’ll be more likely to enjoy a long life.”

Proverbs teaches, “Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life” (Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV).

What are some of those commands? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing” (Proverbs 3:5-10 NIV).

These verses highlight some factors that you probably don’t think about but that will keep you healthy: tranquility, integrity, humility, and generosity. These things will cause your health to be better—because your physical health is influenced by your spiritual health.

Let’s look again at the first part of that passage: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 NIV).

Trusting in God is good for your health. When you trust him, your worry and stress decrease.

The Bible says in Proverbs 14:30, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (NIV). You can have all the right macrobiotics and organic food, but if your body is filled with resentment, worry, fear, lust, guilt, anger, bitterness, or any other emotional disease, it’s going to shorten your life.

When it comes to your spiritual and physical health, you have a choice: To go your own way or to trust God.

This week, take care of your body in the ways you know you should: Eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. But remember that your physical and spiritual health are intertwined—so don’t neglect your spirit! Follow the principles of God’s Word so you can grow in trust, tranquility, integrity, humility, and generosity. 

Talk It Over

  • During times of spiritual growth, how have you also seen your physical health improve? When you’ve been stagnant spiritually, how has your physical health also suffered?
  • Why do you think humility is important for spiritual and physical health?
  • In what difficult circumstance are you leaning “on your own understanding”? What would it look like to trust God instead?

Are you ready to receive God’s forgiveness and start a new life with Christ?

God promised that for those who believe in Jesus, there is no condemnation. He sent Jesus to save you from your sin. His death on the cross paid for every wrong you’ve ever done or will do. And by sacrificing himself for your sins and giving you his righteousness, Jesus made it possible for you to have a relationship with God, the Father.

And the good news doesn’t stop there. God also raised Jesus from the dead, proving his power over sin and death. And that makes it possible for you to spend eternity with him in heaven.

If you’re ready to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I believe that he died for my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust him as my Savior and follow him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.