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Theology of Healing

I’ve been pondering the theology of healing and health a lot lately. Four years ago, I would have told you that health had to do with what you did for your body: food intake, exercise, rest, treating infections, supplementation.

Today, I would tell you that wellness encompasses not just physical aspects but also emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects.

When Jesus interacted with the people he healed, he didn’t ask physical doctor-y questions, he asked soul questions and gave soul explanations.
.“Do you want to be healed?”
“Do you believe I am able to do this?”
“Your sins are forgiven.”

Science backs up the idea that physical ailments are not only physical. Childhood trauma (trauma can be much less obvious than the things that first come to mind) sets people up for a 70-80% increase in the possibility that they will develop an autoimmune disease later in life.

Absolutely no disagreement from me that you have to take care of your physical body with good food, reducing toxins, getting enough sleep and all of the things. But don’t neglect your mind and soul. What happens when you’re stressed? You’re exhausted and get sick easier. Why? Because our emotional state affects our physical state.

If you have a chronic illness, I can’t encourage you enough to delve into your emotional and spiritual health. It’s not the cure all by any means, but it matters just as much as what food you’re putting in your body!

And if you’re not having physical health issues, don’t wait to address your emotional/spiritual health until you start having physical issues, k? K.

Ways to work on your spiritual and emotional health:
* study scripture to develop a theology of holistic health.
* go to therapy.
* run from people who tell you therapy is hocus pocus and you should just pray more.
* figure out your number on the enneagram and learn about yourself. @yourenneagramcoach is a great gospel-centered resource.
* Fully Alive book @susielarsonauthor
* Telling Yourself the Truth by William Backus
*The Brain That Changes Itself by Dr. Norman Doidge

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