Help… the ceiling is falling!

Last month the ceiling started to fall literally and figuratively. My bathroom ceiling in the basement was falling apart due to humidity. I had to scrape it, install a better vent system and repaint the ceiling and the walls. I needed to do it months ago, but I put it off. What happens when we put off what we need to do right now? It gets worse! To top it off, I found mold!!! Out came the bleach. I don’t do well with bleach. It makes me sick, but it was necessary. Thank the Lord it worked. This story is a great metaphor regarding our health as well.

So many diseases become completely out of control by putting off what you need to do for yourself in relationship to nutrition, exercise and sleep. So what are the excuses we use to put off “until tomorrow, or never”, what we should do today regarding our health?

1. Not equipped for the job.
2. Lack of motivation due to safety nets that keep us from a better future. Someone or something is giving us a false sense of reality. Could be medication that masks symptoms, or could be a loved one that does everything for us.
3. Not suffering YET – Remember, it took the presence of black mold to get my attention. You get the picture, right?
4. Having mental battles of depression, anxiety, etc.
5. Unbelief that nutrition and exercise will be beneficial.
6. The severity of the condition is being denied.
7. Failure in the past has kept us from trying again.
8. We don’t know what it would be like to feel any different and we’re a little bit afraid to find out.
9. Other obligations keep us from taking the time to care for ourselves.
10. We like being a martyr, sucking it up or being “tough”.
11. It physically hurts to exercise.

So what should we do to change these excuses and get down to business?

Pray about the health condition. Get real with the Lord, make confessions about excuses and any of the symptoms that are self-inflicted and pray about what is needed from the Lord to conquer temptation. With God’s help, we can conquer anything on your knees.

Once we’ve sorted out what the real issues are with the Lord, we’re ready to plan steps to healing from the inside out. For nutrition guidelines, go straight to the Bible. It’s all in there and it’s some amazing stuff. I encourage the reading of the the clean and unclean food list in Leviticus 11. Although these foods do not make us clean or unclean, because we are clean only by the blood of Jesus, these foods still have the promise in tact that God gave regarding health. If you eat them and steer clear of the unclean ones mentioned, you will gain improved health and wellness in your life. It’s a promise.  

Next, make a plan for movement in your life. Move towards things in your life that give you joy. If nature gives you joy, then enjoy the park. If you like water sports, look into a kayak, paddle board, or a canoe for exercise. If you prefer air conditioning and the company of other people, head to a gym, or fitness center to hit the treadmill. If sports is your thing, think about life long sports such as golf, tennis, or maybe some pickle ball if your older. There are literally  hundreds of options so we are completely without excuse.

Next, work towards deep sleep. Make bedtime sacred by turning off the TV and putting away technology. If you need a supplement to help you, there are many good ones that are non-addictive and healthy to choose from. Liquid Calcium/Magnesium right before bed works wonders to help you get a good night’s rest and helps to eliminate waste the next day. Double the benefit! If you need ocean sounds, darkness, or essential oils, do it!! Just get some sleep!!!

Gain comfort and encouragement daily from God’s Word. Here’s a great verse.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

I love this verse because it reminds me who I belong to and it convicts my heart of sin related to the misuse of my body and the toxic things I sometimes put in it.

This is my prayer for myself and for you today!!! Thank you God for loving me even when my ceiling is falling and I don’t recognize who I am in you and how you want me to treat myself. Please help me to remember each day to consult you regarding my choices and with my activity or “the lack of”. Thank you for the results in advance. I love you Jesus!!!