Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness [temperance], rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies.” My Life Today, 135
Over the last few issues, we have looked at the seven physical laws of health. To complete our study of all eight laws, let’s look at how these physical blessings are brought together by the spiritual principle of trusting in God.
By following these laws, we keep our bodies healthy and strong, our minds clear and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
“God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us. When any part of the body sustains injury, a healing process is at once begun; nature’s agencies are set at work to restore soundness. But the power working through these agencies is the power of God. All life-giving power is from Him. When one recovers from disease, it is God who restores him. …” Ibid.
“It is impossible for us in our own strength to maintain the conflict; and whatever diverts the mind from God, whatever leads to self-exaltation or to self-dependence, is surely preparing the way for our overthrow. The tenor of the Bible is to inculcate [instill] distrust of human power and to encourage trust in divine power. …
“As soon as Satan can separate the soul from God, the only Source of strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man’s carnal nature. The work of the enemy is not abrupt; it is not, at the outset, sudden and startling; it is a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle.” Conflict and Courage, 177
Satan is determined to separate us from God and he uses many things to achieve that separation. The busyness of our lives may keep us from getting a sufficient amount of exercise, or eating at a time that is best for the body. He places before us many foods, drinks, and activities that our sinful natures crave and when not denied, destroy the vitality of the body and benumb the mind. We consume all kinds of drink, many containing caffeine, sugar, and other harmful substances, rather than the water the body so desperately needs. Working many hours a day in an indoor setting can keep us from the pure air and sunshine that the body needs to thrive. The stresses and worries of life can prevent us from getting the kind and amount of sleep necessary for the body to rejuvenate each night, so that we are not sluggish both physically and mentally every day.
Following God’s eight laws of health so that our bodies will be strong and our minds clear and receptive is a choice. Just as we set aside time to spend with Jesus in Bible study and prayer each day, we must also set aside time and effort to live in the healthful way He has designed for the bodies He created.
Our trust must be wholly and completely in Jesus. He who does not fail is faithful to keep us according to His will. However, without a full surrender of heart and mind to Him, and complete trust in Him, we cannot hope to succeed in our struggle against Satan and self. And as a consequence, our lives will be filled with weakness and ill-health, both spiritually and physically.
Through prayer and study of His word, we must be in constant communion with God.
“For the health and vitality of the soul, the divine Physician has prescribed communion with Himself. We are to sit at His feet and learn of Him how to be meek and lowly in heart. Spiritual health is dependent on the food given to the mind and on the air which is breathed.
“The soul needs food, and in order to get this food, the word of God must be studied. … The breathing of pure air is essential for the cure of disease. And it is no less essential that the atmosphere we breathe in the spiritual life shall be pure. This is essential for a healthy growth in grace. Breathe the pure atmosphere which produces pure thoughts and noble words.” The Upward Look, 174
Without sufficient pure air, sunlight, rest and exercise, water for both the body and the soul, if we do not partake of a clean and adequate diet, avoiding harmful foods and substances such as drugs and alcohol, our minds and judgment cannot be clear to receive the Holy Spirit. We know that we can have complete trust in God because He created us, He made salvation available to all who would accept it, and He is willing and waiting to do for us what is necessary, what we cannot do for ourselves, so that we can be with Him for eternity. This is where we trust. We can clearly see in His holy book all that He has done and are amazed at His faithfulness in the face of our own untrustworthiness.
“Christ says, ‘Without Me ye can do nothing.’ Those who surrender body, mind, and spirit into the hands of God, to be controlled by Him, will see of His salvation.
“Christ says, ‘Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’ Precious is the experience of finding rest. He who does not, day by day, learn lessons from Christ, cannot appreciate the suggestions of the Holy Spirit. But he who learns daily of Jesus, making use of every means of grace, grows in the knowledge of God. Under the influence of the Spirit, his heart is filled with the peace and comfort of hope. His faith and trust are strengthened. His development in Christlikeness is apparent to all with whom he comes in contact.” The Signs of the Times, March 26, 1902
God is steadfast, unwavering in His love and care for us. Shouldn’t we be as steadfast and unwavering in our surrender and commitment to Him?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6