What is spiritual health and how can you improve it?
Your spiritual health is important. It affects your physical, social, and emotional well-being. Yet, so many of us are willing to ignore our spiritual health as we set goals to become our best selves.
This year, let’s make a pledge to spend more time focusing on improving our spiritual well-being even as we strive to become the best versions of ourselves. Here are 6 ways to improve your spiritual health this year.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure here.
What is Spiritual Health
What is spiritual health and why is it so important for us to nurture?
Spiritual health is a state of balance in your mind, body, and spirit – that stems from a healthy relationship with God.
Spiritual wellness helps us to maintain balance in the many areas of our lives. When we get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, the first thing to suffer is often our relationship with God.
Knowing how to be spiritually healthy matters because when we keep God at the center, everything else in our life will balance out!
How to Improve Your Spiritual Health
Improving your spiritual health should be such an important part of your personal growth because your spiritual health affects all other areas of your life!
Creating spiritual health goals is important because your spiritual health sets the tone for everything else! When you improve your spiritual health, you improve your relationship with God.
A few examples of spiritual health goals include:
- Pray More
- Study the Bible More
- Fasting
- More Discipleship
- Journaling
- Finding an accountability partner
Improve Spiritual Health with Prayer
Prayer is the foundation of improving your spiritual health!
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 ESV.
There are two things most Christians will agree on:
- There is power in prayer, and
- We don’t pray enough.
Why not make a decision this year to change that? Make a conscious choice to spend more time talking to God and listening to what he has to say.
Improve Spiritual Health by Spending More Time in the Word
The Word of God (aka, the Bible) is a powerful tool to keep us spiritually healthy. The more time we spend reading and devouring the spiritual nourishment it contains, the better prepared we are to tackle all the world throws at us each day.
Immerse yourself into a plan that will keep you motivated to stay the course for your spiritual health. There are many resources for you to choose from including daily devotionals, Bible Studies, Bible apps for your phone and some great podcasts.
Related: Bible Study Resources to Improve Your Walk with God
God invested in your spiritual health when He allowed His son Jesus to take your place on the cross. Whether it is for physical or your spiritual health, there is always a cost involved to gain your desired outcome.
Improve Spiritual Health Through Fasting
One of the best things you can do for your spiritual health is to fast. Jesus considered fasting important for those who would want to draw closer to Him.
Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast (Matthew 9:14-15 ESV).
Notice that Jesus said “will” not “may”. He knew fasting would be a critical part of being a Christian and he wanted his disciples to know it. Do you fast? Maybe you’re afraid to fast because you’re not sure what to do. I understand.
But there are many resources available to help you learn more about fasting. Take the plunge and choose to give up something you love for a few days as you spend more time with God.
Related: 27 Fasting and Prayer Scriptures for Spiritual Breakthrough
Improve Spiritual Health Through Discipleship
When you help others through volunteer work or donations, it makes you feel great, right?
Imagine the boost to your spiritual wellness when you help someone find Christ!
One of the things Christ did while He was on earth, was to create disciples. He deliberately chose to surround himself with people who wanted to learn more of what he knew and what he knew was the Heavenly Father.
Since we are called to emulate Christ, we are called to make disciples–that’s why Jesus included it in the Great Commission:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NKJV
What are you waiting for? Jesus has given you the task to teach others about him. And maybe this is something you will do on a small scale in your home by teaching your children about God.
Or maybe, you’ll be involved in discipleship on a grander scale like at your church or by becoming a missionary. Whatever the medium, choose to tell someone about Jesus and change their lives for eternity.
Improve Spiritual Health by Keeping a Journal
A journal is an excellent idea for keeping track of goals. When you are trying to lose weight, it begins with a starting weight. It is exciting to watch the number go down on the scale and see your progress. To improve spiritual health, write about your faith journey and wait and watch for your prayers be answered. You will most definitely learn new truths from God and see your faith grow.
Maybe you have been dealing with an anger issue, pride issue or low self-esteem. It is good to look back at your starting point and see where God has taken you on your spiritual health journey. The Israelites would build altars of stones in places where God had done great things for them so that they wouldn’t forget. A journal can do the same. There are times in life which are more difficult than others. During those times of struggle, a journal can be a great reminder of what God has done for you.
Improve Spiritual Health with an Accountability Partner
Let’s face it; when you want to lose weight, it is always more fun to do it with a friend. There is something to be said for the motivation that comes from knowing you will be asked how your diet is going or if you exercised today.
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV
An accountability partner isn’t there to judge you but to ask the hard questions, encourage you and vice-versa. An accountability partner reminds you of “why” you are doing what you are doing.
An accountability partner will help you stay on track with the spiritual goals you’ve set and will expand your spiritual health to a new level.
Resources for Improving Spiritual Health
The new year may have begun, but the good news is it is never too late to improve your spiritual health. Here are some additional resources to help equip you as you start to embark on your spiritual health journey.
- Grace Goals – A series of step-by-step workshops and exercises, Grace Goals will show you how to work in conjunction with the Spirit of God to fulfill the desires He’s placed in your heart. It’s a biblical process for total life transformation. Also, check out the free Spiritual Formation Assessment.
- Bible Gateway – This website is a great resource I use daily! I love this page because there are various versions of the Bible which can help break down anything you might not understand into a more straightforward language you can understand. Scripture is like a vitamin for your soul!
- YouVersion Bible App -Do you enjoy devotionals? Did you know this app will allow you to do a group devotional with your family and friends? You can choose a plan and invite your family and friends to do it with you. Usually, at the end of each day, there is a “Talk it Over,” and everyone can share their input and insights into what God is teaching them through His Word.
- The Way Home Podcast– Do you spend much time in your car? I love Daniel Darling’s podcasts because they are a digestible 20 minutes long. All his guests bring such a different perspective and insight into God’s Word, and there is always an applicable truth to boost your spiritual health.
What Are Your Favorite Resources?
What are some resources that you use to improve spiritual health throughout the year? Please share your ideas on what helps you to stay motivated! Be sure to also check out our list of resources for Christian women to find some more great resources.
My prayer for you in 2020 is for peace, happiness, and extraordinary joy as you pursue your spiritual and physical health. It all starts with taking the first step, and I am cheering you on!
What spiritual health goals have you set for the new year?
Be sure to also read:
