Achieving Health and Happiness Through Christ

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 6, 2024

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them…” —Genesis 1:26-28

From studying the Creation Story, we find that Jesus [who created us in His image] desired humanity to exist on an aesthetically pleasing planet. Although the progression of human-made implementations has resulted in much damage and destruction to Planet Earth, God has reserved many areas that human hands cannot touch.

Yes, the universe still displays the breathtaking majesty of Jesus’ Holy Name. Have you ever gazed into the night sky? The moon and the constellations of stars are simply amazing. During the day, the sun’s rays impart energy to all human, animal, and plant life. Yes, we have a beautiful world and would understand God’s loving character if we would explore His handiwork in nature.

The Four Gospels reveal that Jesus used scenic areas to teach the multitudes about the love of God and the plan of salvation. Yet, Jesus often isolated Himself by retreating to mountainous areas to pray for hours and to spend intimate time with God, His Father. We need alone time to hear the Holy Spirit speaking to us through our thoughts to comfort and guide us through life’s journey.

“Mark 6:31-32: After an intense period of ministry, Jesus and his apostles are so busy with people coming and going that they don’t have time to eat. Jesus says, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” They leave by boat for a secluded spot. This is an example of Jesus teaching his disciples the importance of solitude.” Time spent with God alleviates all frustrations and faithlessness.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? —Matthew 6:25-26

One can only imagine that it was a wonderful experience for Jesus in His earthly life to enjoy His own creation of the rolling grass, fields of flowers, and the sun in the sky shining its rays of energy on the Son of Righteousness who created the elements. The beauty of nature reveals God’s overwhelming love for humanity and reinforces our faith in Him as a loving Heavenly Father who cares for us.

“The faith which you have [that gives you freedom of choice], have as your own conviction before God [just keep it between yourself and God, seeking His will]. Happy is he who has no reason to condemn himself for what he approves.” —Romans 14:22

Faith in God provides mental, emotional, and spiritual stability. When we use our faith to embrace God’s love, He rewards us with the spiritual gifts of strength, joy, peace, and happiness. Do you have faith? Yes, every human being has received the God-gifted measure of faith. We use our faith to accept Jesus and to believe in the Plan of Redemption and Salvation, yet, many miss out on God’s benevolence by ignoring the benefits of enhancing our health by enjoying the natural environment.

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him…?” —Psalm 8:3-4

The Christian Has Many Sources of Happiness: “THOSE WHO FIND true happiness must have the blessing of Heaven upon all that they possess and all that they do.” EGW

As a former Behavioral Health Nurse, 99% of our patients admitted to the unit were diagnosed with Depression. When we conducted their Intakes, all were “homebound,” not due to physical limitations, they shared the common practice of spending their free time staying in the walls of their homes. Confining oneself indoors impacts all facets of our psyche and damages the structure and function of our physical body.

Going outside to take a walk and looking at the majestic trees and the sky will alleviate many burdens. As we visually take in nature, we can talk to Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor and Best Friend. Nature redirects our focus from problems to God, the Problem Solver. Trade in screen time for 30 minutes of outdoor activity. Even if you live in a bustling city, find a park and listen for the bird’s chirping melodies who praise their Creator throughout the day.

God’s Goal for Our Earthly Lives: “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.” —3 John 1:2

Making a change by enjoying the beauty of nature allows our moods to stabilize and our overall health to improve because we behold God’s love for us. Joyful believers embrace the health and happiness that God gives us. Living happily now is possible! Yes, we need innovative technological advancements, but you and I are too distracted by technology! Go outside instead of devoting your life to screen time.

The Change of Our Lives in Heaven: Jesus tells us, “But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection” (Luke 20:35-36). Although we do not know what our lives will be like in the New Heaven and New Earth, one thing is for certain eternal life will not consist of living inside our homes watching screens.

“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

The abundant life that Christ refers to is not the worldview of buying temporary earthly trinkets and tangible goods. Our efforts to create a happy and joyful little heaven on earth begin with the knowledge and possession of Christ’s Character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13

God’s Spirit cannot dwell in us if we are downcast, depressed, anxious, and worried. Exploring and worshiping God in nature will change your behaviors and your perception. God’s magnificent love will permeate your minds, bodies, and souls. Yes, we can enhance our happiness, joy, and contentment by frequently visiting and worshiping God in natural surroundings. Following Christ’s example will allow Him to give us optimal health and happiness.

Daily Affirmation: I am a son or daughter of Jesus, my Triumphant King who loves and died for me, so, I proclaim my love for Him through nature which reveals God’s Agape Love. He is the King of Glory! Give Jesus the praise! Hallelujah and Amen!

Lord God, we thank You for the wonderful gifts of salvation, a beautiful world, and the promise of eternal life. We love You and praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions