Debbie Swindell

Life often feels like a whirlwind, and in our fast-paced society, success is frequently defined by comparing ourselves to others and their achievements. We can quickly become trapped in a cycle of constant activity. Our culture suffers from a fear of missing out, often valuing social influencers over seeking guidance from the Word of God in our journeys. This shift can hinder our spiritual growth when true wisdom is dismissed or seen as outdated. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize our spiritual well-being amid the chaos.

Spiritual wellness is critical for living as a consistently faithful Christian. When I am spiritually well, I can genuinely care for the women God places in my classes, under my counsel, and in my ministry.

Divine Intervention and Renewal

In 1 Kings 19, we find the prophet Elijah. He had witnessed God perform an incredible miracle on Mount Carmel. Yet, when threatened by King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, he fled in fear. Exhausted from running, he sat down in the desert and asked God to take his life. Elijah went from a mountaintop experience to the valley of despair in just a few days. James 5:17 reminds us that Elijah was a human being, just like we are. Humans are limited by our humanity and have physical and emotional needs that we cannot ignore. Often, we push ourselves to our limits. Like Elijah, we can quickly forget God’s promises and lose sight of His incredible plans when our needs go unmet.

After traveling for forty days to a cave on Mount Horeb, the Lord instructed Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain because He was about to pass by. The passage describes a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord was not in any of those. Instead, the Lord was in the sound of a low whisper. When Elijah experienced God’s presence, he was renewed and refocused on God’s plan for his life.

While we are called to love and consider the needs of others before our own (Philippians 2:3), we must not neglect our personal well-being and spiritual health. Elijah’s story teaches us that rest, divine provision, and God’s voice are crucial. When we rest, we find relief. When the Lord meets our physical needs, we feel secure. And when the Word speaks to us, we find comfort and direction.

Principles for Spiritual Wellness

Principles for spiritual wellness for Christians are simple. In the busy pace of life, the fundamental disciplines of faith should be noticed. To remain spiritually well, we must spend time with God daily. We should read the Bible, pray, and rest in God’s presence. Too often, we rush through our devotions or prayer lists. “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word “Shabbat,” which means to stop. Sabbath is a day to pause our work and delight in the Lord. Throughout the week, we engage in various activities—working, playing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, exercising, and answering text messages—until we inevitably reach our limits. On the Sabbath, we can intentionally slow down. Keeping our lives simple is beneficial for our souls. It is crucial to note that Sabbath rest also includes our rhythm of corporate worship. Meeting with the saints, as the body of Christ, nourishes our spirits as we worship and receive the Word. These are simple practices that we can all incorporate into our lives to prioritize our spiritual wellness.

Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 that “godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these, we will be content.” We can cultivate spiritual wellness by removing distractions from our lives. Hebrews 12:1 challenges us to “throw off everything that hinders us” from living a life devoted to the Lord. Jesus invites us to come to Him and experience rest (Matthew 11:28).

The Ongoing Journey of Spiritual Growth

Living a God-honoring life involves recognizing our spiritual needs and flaws while inviting the Holy Spirit to guide us. Our spiritual well-being requires an ongoing journey of repentance that is not solitary; instead, the Spirit empowers us and helps us align our actions with God’s Word. Walking with the Spirit is a continuous commitment to set aside self-serving tendencies and sinful behaviors, allowing the Spirit to lead us toward righteousness and growth. However, this path can be challenging. Moments of doubt may prompt us to introspect, revealing that genuine growth requires examining our lives and striving for spiritual maturity. While God expects us to do our part, we should prioritize the Holy Spirit’s guidance over our efforts, trusting in His grace for transformation. This assurance helps us avoid relying solely on our strength and keeps us steadfast in our spiritual pursuits.

We become our best selves when we align our direction with God, rely on His grace, delight in His mercy, and maintain hope for eternal life. Aligning with God’s direction is not just a journey; it is a race I am determined to run. This alignment with God’s direction through intentional practices gives me a sense of determination and focus in my spiritual pursuits.

Galatians 3:3 reminds us: “Are you so foolish? After beginning by the Spirit, are you now…”