Are you getting sick?
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 nkjv
Cold and flu season is just getting started and already I feel a sinus infection coming on. Once I feel the symptoms of an achy head, burning throat, or stuffed sinuses, I get my armor on, ready for battle. With a few years under my belt, thankfully, I have gained a little bit of wisdom. I work quickly to try and stop any ailment in its tracks. Taking vitamin C, Airborne, and Zicam, I arm myself to beat it down before it starts. I know just how miserable it is to be sick and I will do everything in my power to not let my enemy advance.
So, why don’t I react the same way when my spiritual health is at risk? Spiritual illnesses such as anger, discontentment, pride,and fear, just like a cold or flu to our physical bodies, cause our spiritual bodies to come to a stop for awhile-holding us back from whatever service the Lord has purposed us for. Just like my achy head and burning throat, there are symptoms to warn us of their coming visit. The infection of anger usually begins with small irritations and annoyances. Discontentment begins with an ungrateful heart. Pride’s symptoms are selfishness, while the symptoms of worry and anxiety can become a full blown illness called fear.
Just like the treatment of vitamin C helps my body to defeat my oncoming infection, the greatest elixir for any spiritual illness is the Word of God It never ceases to amaze me that when I am suffering from a spiritual illness, how fast these symptoms flee in the face of His word. When I feel symptoms coming on, I fight them by looking up all that God’s word says about that specific ailment. If I am suffering from anxiety I will looking up all that God has to say about them. If I am worrying or anxious, scriptures about anxiety, worry and fear speak straight to my heart, Phil. 4:6a “Do not be anxious for anything…” Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you…” Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Friends, are you suffering from anything today? Do you feel an illness coming on? Protect yourselves with the battle gear that God has given you. His Word is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword to defend ourselves from anything that gets in our way. Check your heart for symptoms before they become full blown illnesses.
Remember friends, when we get into God’s Word, God’s Word gets into us!
Believing God!
- Who Do You Trust?
- Name Calling
Amen, well said.
Joanne,
Oh yes….how many times we ignore the symptoms until we are so weak and feeble to even stand on our own feet. What a wonderful reminder to tend to our spiritual health by preparing for what lies ahead. -Blessings, Laurie
You are too cute. I didn’t know where you were going with this! We should definitely put on our full armor every morning. I have a habit of praying it on first thing each day: Helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth around my waist, shield of faith, sword of the Spirit, and shoes of peace. Now — to keep it on!
Great post Joanne.
Love,
b
Absolutely wonderful advice Joanne!
Thank you sharing, this is so true. We want to be well physically that we go to great lengths to do so. Good points!
WOW thanks so much for that. amen and thank the Lord for His goodness.
i stumbled upon your site following iris’ links…i’m so glad i found you.
God bless!
Amen, Joanne! Have a great day and girl, stay well. Hugs.
Great insights, Joanne. We need periodic spiritual checkups to remind us to take care of our spiritual well-being.