While visiting with a St. Luker in the hospital after their surgery, I was reminded about the role of our faith in both our physical and mental health and wellbeing. The doctors were pleased with the surgical results and their progress, but what struck me most was their peace and confidence. They told me, “Every morning I thank God for another day and ask Him to guide me which is what gets me through”. Their words were a reminder that healing is more than medication, therapy, or procedures, but it’s also about the heart and spirit.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
Our faith is deeply connected to our mind and body. Chronic stress can slow healing and increase risk for disease, while our deep faith can support recovery and improve overall health. There are many ways our faith and spirituality can affect our physical health:
- Improved blood pressure.
- Improved cardiovascular outcomes.
- Improved stress and anxieties – as we know this can present itself with many physical symptoms.
- Possibly lowering our risks for some diseases.
- Improved immune system response.
People who have a strong faith as a foundation, often maintain healthier lifestyles through prayer and medication, gratitude practices, deep compassionate relationships, and simply finding peace with God’s presence in their lives.
Our mental health is can also be positively impacted by our faith and spirituality. Studies have shown that people who engage in regular prayer, meditation, or worship can boost their mental wellbeing in countless ways:
- Lower levels of stress and anxiety.
- Improved self-esteem.
- Improved coping mechanisms.
- Reduced depression and negative emotions.
- Deepened relationships with others
- Improved inner reflection allowing us to look beyond ourselves.
Our faith and church family can offer connection and support, which helps ease loneliness and promotes hope. In times of crisis or illness, this emotional resilience can be as vital as any medical treatment plan.
Our overall health is rarely just physical. It’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. Integrating our faith and spirituality into our daily lives doesn’t replace medical care—it strengthens it. By nurturing the soul alongside our body and mind, we will create space for more complete healing and improved overall outcomes.
The challenges we face each day in our lives – illness, loss, failures, stress– can really shake us to our core at times, especially when adding this uncertain political climate we are living in. It’s in these times we need to lean into our spirituality and faith as it provides our foundation. Our faith gives us purpose and meaning and drives our behaviors and responses to these challenges. If we put our trust in God, we can face any unknowns with courage.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
