7 Daily Wellness Practices Rooted in Scripture

We live in a day in which there are a lot of processed foods available to us that are packed with additives and preservatives. Unfortunately, these are the quickest and easiest to grab when mealtime rolls around. Sometimes, busy schedules just interfere with healthier choices. But for those slower, more laid-back days, taking the time to cook a healthy meal, intentionally cooking extra, and learning to enjoy leftovers is good for both our bodies and our wallets.

The Lord was very specific in Deuteronomy chapter 14:4-6 about the meat options that are the best choices for our bodies. A few of these include sheep (lamb), goats, deer, and cows. In verse 10, seafood options include fish such as cod, haddock, and bream. Poultry options include chicken, turkey, duck, and goose. All fruits and vegetables are considered good options. For those who really want to get into this kind of lifestyle, which is considered one of the healthiest, check out the Jewish Visiting website.

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God set the example for taking time to rest way back at the beginning of creation. In Genesis 2:2-3 it is written, "And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." 

The Hebrew word for "rest" in both verses can also be interpreted as "a state of rest, desist from exertion, to make or keep the Sabbath."

In Leviticus 23:3, the Lord spoke of the seventh day as a Sabbath of rest. The Hebrew word for Sabbath comes from the same one as in Genesis, but in a different tense (the idea of rest as opposed to rested). Taking time to rest helps us avoid burning out in our work and stay healthy.

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When God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, they were pretty bent out of shape when they came to a place in the wilderness where there wasn't any water they could drink (Exodus 15:22-25, 17:1-6). They were keenly aware of the importance of water, not only for their own health but also for their livestock. The Lord was faithful in providing that water when they needed Him to intervene. 

Water is our first line of defense for enjoying a good quality of life. Not only do we need to make sure we drink plenty of it, but of course, we need it for bathing, washing our clothes, and cleaning our homes. Where our bodies are concerned, men generally need about 13 cups per day, and women generally need about 9 per day, according to WebMd. The proper amount of water is crucial to proper functioning of joints, skin health, regulating body temperature, maintaining or losing weight, healthy blood pressure, preventing kidney damage, and so much more, according to Medical News Today.

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While washing hands before we eat is common knowledge among adults, the Jewish priests had a hand washing ritual that they performed. This kind of ritual isn't necessary for us in our day and age, but it's interesting to note what the Lord required of the Old Testament priests. 

In Exodus 30:17-21 it is written, "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ''You shall also make a laver of bronze, with its base also of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tabernacle of meeting and the altar. And you shall put water in it, for Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in water from it. When they go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, lest they die. So they shall wash their hands and their feet, lest they die. And it shall be a statute forever to them—to him and his descendants throughout their generations."

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Israel was a very agricultural group of people, and exercise was something that was really common over the course of their day as they tended livestock, their vineyards, or gardens. The majority of the people didn't spend their work day behind a desk the way that people in the 21st century do. In addition, they often walked to the marketplace, to the homes of their friends, and from town to town if a town was particularly close. Exercise helps with our mental health, blood pressure, and insulin levels; it can help improve our sleep, help a person quit smoking, help us live longer, and so much more, according to MedLinePlus.  

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The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 119 about the blessings of walking in the law of the Lord, seeking God with our whole heart, hiding His Word in our heart so we don't sin against Him, meditating on His wonderful works and so much more.

Meditating on His Word helps us to have the right focus throughout our day. It helps us to have peace in our hearts rather than anxiousness (Philippians 4:6-7). 

Paul also directs readers to meditate on "…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9).

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Memory verses are a way that we can hide God's Word in our hearts. Having His Word memorized makes it easier for the Holy Spirit to bring us Biblical wisdom when we need it most. He can also comfort us when we're hurting, be a vessel, He can work through to comfort others; He can remind us of God's promises when we need to be reminded, help us find strength during times of difficulty or depression, build up our faith, and so much more. When we have His Word hidden in our hearts, we can even pray scripture, which also boosts our faith that we'll see results.

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