Prospering in Physical Health
How God Designed Your Body to Heal, Thrive, and Glorify Him
Did you know that God wants you to prosper?
I know, I know… for some, that’s a scandalous word. “Oh no, is he going to preach the prosperity gospel?”
The short answer: No.
First of all, the gospel doesn’t need any adjective in front of it. It stands on its own—pure, powerful, and sufficient. Second, the Bible is full of examples of trial, hardship, persecution, and suffering. No one was exempt—especially not Jesus—and neither are we.
But the Bible uses the word “prosper” 84 times! One of the most notable?
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” —3 John 1:2
Biblical prosperity is holistic—mind, body, soul, and spirit. As Western Christians, we tend to compartmentalize: "spiritual health" here, "physical health" over there. But to the ancient Hebrews—and to Jesus—those categories weren’t separate.
When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He answered:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” —Mark 12:30
That’s every part of who you are.
And why? Because the Lord our God is One (v. 29).
We were made in the image of the whole and unified God. We were made to be whole people. And if we’re going to thrive in spiritual life, we can’t neglect the physical one.
Or take the prophet Elijah. Elijah was a man of faith and power. But after defeating the prophets of Baal, he was ready to end his life. God’s solution to Elijah’s anxiety and depression wasn’t, “Pray more,” it was eating and sleep!
Let’s break this down into three core areas:
1. EATING: What You Eat Fuels How You Live
Let’s be honest—most of us aren't being attacked by demons… we’re being attacked by Little Debbie.
Consider these stats:
- 18% of teenagers have fatty liver disease
- 30% are prediabetic
- 40% are overweight or obese
Fifty years ago, a pediatrician might go an entire career without seeing these conditions in children. Today? They're commonplace—even in young adults, who are also battling:
- Obesity
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Infertility
- High cholesterol
The truth is, American life expectancy has been declining for the most sustained period since 1860.
We’re eating more sugar (up to 3000% more liquid fructose) than a century ago, moving less, and sleeping less. And instead of addressing the root causes, we’ve embraced a culture of prescriptions and surgeries—14 prescriptions per American per year.
“Preventable lifestyle conditions are responsible for 80% of modern human deaths.”
That should stop us in our tracks.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to inherit the disease that “runs in your family.” You were made to feel vibrant and alive, with clear thinking, balanced weight, healthy skin, and emotional stability.
Your mitochondria—the energy factories in your cells—thrive on real food. Think: “If God made it, eat it. If He didn’t, don’t.”
Pro Tip:
Forget the diet fads—Keto, Vegan, Carnivore, Mediterranean, Paleo—each has pros and cons. Instead, focus on real, whole foods, free from ultra-processed junk, high fructose corn syrup, and seed oils.
Check out the “Bobby Approved” app to help navigate food choices at the grocery store.
2. SLEEPING: God Designed Your Body to Heal Overnight
Some people think sleep is a waste of time. But God made your mind, body, soul, and spirit to come alive at night.
Here’s what sleep does for you:
- Boosts memory and creativity
- Heals emotional wounds
- Regulates appetite and weight
- Lowers blood pressure and heart disease risk
- Strengthens your immune system
- Processes and stores long-term memories
- Provides “overnight therapy” for your emotions
“Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new treatment… It makes you live longer, enhances memory, makes you look more attractive, protects against cancer and dementia, and makes you happier.” —Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep
NBA Sleep Study:
- Players who got less than 7 hours of sleep had a 67% higher risk of injury
- More sleep = higher points per minute, better shooting percentage, fewer turnovers
Practical Tips:
- Sunlight in the morning sets your body clock
- No caffeine after 1 PM
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily
- No screens 90 minutes before bed
- Keep your room cool (65°F is ideal)
- Sleep is not laziness—it’s worship when done in rhythm with how God designed you.
3. MOVING: God Made You to Move
The average American spends 93.7% of their time indoors. No wonder we’re restless, anxious, and inflamed.
Movement is medicine:
- Raise your heart rate at least 3 times a week
- Aim for 7,000+ steps a day
- Go outside and play like a kid again
Movement isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling good, functioning well, and glorifying God through a body that’s fully alive.
The “3 P’s” of Hope:
- Positive Future — Tomorrow can be better than today.
- Path Forward — You don’t have to stay stuck.
- Power to Change — You have agency. You have authority. You have God’s Spirit.
Final Thought:
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be faithful.
“You form your habits. Then your habits form you.”
Start simple. Eat whole. Sleep well. Move more. And watch how your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical life begin to prosper.
🔄 30-Day Health Challenge
(Download the free PDF on our app. Let’s do this together.
Let’s recommit to stewarding our temples well. Not just for our own sake—but for His glory.
Resources
Food and eating information from Casey Means, Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health
Sleep information from Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
