God Has Given You an Owner’s Manual for Your Body
By Rick Warren
“Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1b-2 NIV).
If I had a pill that promised to add years to your life, you’d probably pay a lot of money for it. But what if I told you that, as a Christian, you already have the key to a long life and that it’s free?
God has given all of the principles for health management in his Word, the Bible. The Bible is the owner’s manual for your body. As David says, “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws” (Psalm 119:73 TLB). And in Deuteronomy, it says, “These instructions are not empty words — they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land” (Deuteronomy 32:47a NLT, second edition). God says, “If you do what I tell you to do with your health, you will enjoy a long life.”
Our key verse today says, “Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life” (Proverbs 3:1b-2a NIV). What are some of those commands? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing” (Proverbs 3:5-10a).
These verses highlight some factors that you probably don’t think about but that will keep you healthy: tranquility, trust in God, integrity, humility, and generosity. These things will cause your health to be better, because your physical health is influenced by your spiritual health.
Today, take some time to meditate on Proverbs 3:1-10, and ask God to show you ways you can grow in tranquility, trust, integrity, humility, and generosity.
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Talk It Over
- How have you seen your physical health improve as you grew more spiritually mature?
- Why do you think humility is important for spiritual and physical health?
- What does it mean for you to meditate on God’s Word?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit rickwarren.org
This six-session video-based, small group study from Rick Warren, Dr. Daniel Amen, and Dr. Mark Hyman is centered on five essentials that will launch your journey to health: faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends.
With support from medical and fitness experts, Pastor Rick Warren and thousands of people from his congregation started on a journey to transform their own lives. Its called The Daniel Plan and it works for on simple reason: God designed your body to be healthy and He provided everything you need to thrive and live an abundant life.
This small group study is a vital component of The Daniel Plan because it emphasizes the powerful community component of the program. As Dr. Mark Hyman says, "community is the cure" for healthy living.
The Daniel Plan small group study teaches simple ways to incorporate healthy choices into your daily lifestyle. This study guide includes biblical inspiration from Pastor Rick, instruction from our doctors and wellness experts, practical food and fitness tips, and much more.
This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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