Nicole blinked twice as she stared at the number on the doctor’s scale. She knew a few more pounds had glommed on her midsection, but seven?
During the ensuing consult with Dr. Ames, Nicole mentioned her knees had started to hurt, she felt tired much of the time, and seemed susceptible to every virus that came along. Dr. Ames then shared Nicole’s blood work, revealing several more concerns. His treatment solution surprised her. “I’m going to send you to a nutritionist,” he said.
Three months later, Nicole already felt much stronger and healthier—energized even. Her knees no longer hurt, and her blood pressure and cholesterol had dropped dramatically. Nicole had learned her diet included too many simple carbs and high-fat proteins, depleting her body of strength, energy, and good health.
It’s a fact: we can’t function well without proper nutrition.
The same principle applies in the spiritual realm. We can’t function well when our souls are improperly nourished. We need to ingest spiritual vitamins.
For example, consider Vitamin A. As a physical nutrient in our food, it improves our eyesight—specifically night vision. In the spiritual realm, Vitamin A might represent Adoration of God, which improves our “vision” through dark circumstances.
“When we choose to practice adoration anyway
in the midst of whatever we are feeling,
our words lift us over that barrier
and into a deeper connectedness with God.”
—Sarah Hagerty[1]
That deeper connectedness with God results in strength and perseverance for what we face.
The benefits of the Vitamin B complex include converting food into energy. In our spirits, the Bible energizes us as we convert the food of truth into the energy of faith.
“I am sorry for men who do not read the Bible every day.
I wonder why they deprive themselves
of the strength and the pleasure.”
—Woodrow Wilson[2]
Vitamin C enhances the growth of bone, skin, and muscle. Companionship with God causes us to grow in faith, character, and contentment—no matter our circumstances.
“The greater your knowledge of the goodness and grace of God on your life,
the more likely you are to praise Him in the storm.”
–Matt Chandler[3]
Vitamin D plays a role in fighting germs. Delight in God’s blessings fights off the germs of melancholy and discouragement in our souls.
“Thankfulness restores a healthy perspective about our lives.”
—Valerie Bell[4]
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects against cell damage. Empowerment from God protects against soul damage—from such hurtful emotions as fear, anxiety, and hopelessness.
“When God is recognized as the One who undertakes for us,
then difficulties are opportunities to trust Him . . .
contentment sings in the heart,
and all things are possible.”
—F. E. Marsh[5]
Vitamin K promotes healthy bones which support the body; knowledge of God supports the soul as we affirm his goodness and perfections.
“To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances;
to seek Him, the greatest adventure;
to find Him the greatest human achievement.”
—St. Augustine
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, O God, that as we absorb these soul-vitamins into our spirits, our trust in you will grow. We’ll find our strength renewed, and be able to run the race of life without lapsing into despair. May we be mindful each day to be enriched in your presence, in your Word, and in your power.
(Isaiah 41:31; Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 119:28; Ephesians 6:1)
Notes:
[1] Unseen, Zondervan, 2017, p. 151
[2] Soul Retreats for Busy People, compiled by Lila Epson, Inspirio, 2002, p. 40
[3] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/inspirational-christian-quotes-about-love.html
[4] A Well-Tended Soul, Zondervan, 1996, p. 102
[5] Quote/Unquote, compiled by Lloyd C. Cory, Victor Books, 1977, p. 136
Art & photo credits: http://www.picpedia.org; http://www.pixy.org; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pixy.com; http://www.hearlight.org; http://www.canva.com.
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, I love your analogies! It seems we’re on the same page this week. Tomorrow I’m posting a piece on the subject of having a strong immune system, to be continued with one on keeping up our resistance to sin. I have had a long journey where God taught me about both.
How about that, Annie–such fun when such serendipities happen! I’ll be over to your blog to read about a strong immune system tomorrow or Saturday.
Your analogy here, Nancy, are so creative and spot-on! We need, and crave, spiritual nourishment as much as physical, if not more. And in these trying times, the wisdom you’ve shared here today has done much to soothe my soul and ease my mind.
Blessings to you!
Thank you, Martha. Praise God these words soothed your soul and eased your mind. He is SO good about bringing to our attention the encouragement we need! I am highly honored that today you found that here.
“Adoration . . . anyway.”
Oh, how this captivates my restive mind today. Thank you, dear Nancy.
You’re welcome, Laurie! These are truths I need to keep front and center too.
Wonderful advice, Nancy. I took Vitamin B just now – the [B]log of a beautiful Christian, who strengthens my faith by her example and her writings about our Heavenly Father. Thank you. Keep posting about the Lord.
Aww, thank you Nikki. I am honored and praising God for his faithfulness to inspire new topics each week!
Nancy, I love how you’ve combined Scripture with some basic nutritional info that we’d all do well to take a hold of. This seems to be a season of comfort eating, grazing, not paying attention to what we’re shoveling into our mouths.
We’ve got a biblical mandate to be good stewards of our bodies as well as our minds and souls. Thanks for taking us there today!
Bless you.
Thank you, Linda. I suppose binging out of boredom is happening a lot these days, but we’re almost at the end of this siege of isolation. My husband and I are scheduled for our first Covid vaccine next Tuesday!
I learned the phrase the other day “sanctified imagination” using the holy to see things differently. You certainly did that here. Thanks Nancy!
Oh, thank you Jean! Praise God for his inspiration to see things a bit differently where vitamins (of all things!) are concerned!
Nancy, this post is truly uplifting and fascinating. I love it.
So glad you found the post uplifting and even fascinating. Wow! Praise God for the seed of an idea that blossomed into these thoughts!
Vitamin A for Adoring Him! This past week I’ve been drawn to 2 Peter 3:9 and marveling at my Savior’s patience with mankind – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Yes, praise God for his patience, manifested in more than a few ways–Hallelujah!
Nancy, I love this! You were very creative to use vitamins to remind us that we need to nourish our spiritual lives, too. May the Lord fill you with megadoses of His vitamins.
Thank you, Karen, for your kind comments. Love that idea of megadoses of God’s vitamins! Thank you for that too!
This is really beautiful especially given the idea so many people are health obsessed…we need to alter that mentality with a huge dose of Jesus!
Love this post!!
Hi Nancy,
Spiritual vitamins! The spirit being nourished is like seeing a new sprout in dry ground.
In Christ,
And praise God those sprouts can become strong trees over time (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Thank you, Gary!
This is a great post, Nancy! I think we all need to remind ourselves to take our vitamins every day!!
Indeed we do! Thank you, Sheila.