On the way home from church today, my daughter and I got into a conversation about the miracle that is creation. We talked about how beautifully complex humans, animals, and all living things really are and how all aspects of our lives are connected.

This is because we are holistic beings. Our physical experience is connected to our emotional experience. Our spiritual expressions are connected to our mental expressions, and so on and so forth. As much as we like to sometimes ignore it, none of it can be separated. We are woven in such a way that all the different facets of our lives touch, communicate, and intertwine with each other. What we think about affects how we feel. What’s going on in our emotions involves what’s going on in our bodies, and vice versa. It’s brilliant and helpful and baffling, but it’s something we need to be aware of if we want to find wholeness, health, and healing in 2024.

Proverbs 14:30 

A tranquil heart is life to the body, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.

When we are at peace emotionally and mentally, our physical bodies are free to be fully alive and healthy as well. But it is also true that when we harbor and suppress ill feelings, our bodies can grow ill, too. It’s all linked together.

This year, as we each yearn to transform, heal, and move forward, let us keep this truth in mind: one part affects the whole.

Prayer:

Lord, tell us what we need to know about each aspect of our lives and how it affects the rest. Help us to pinpoint where the root is when addressing issues in our lives. Give us the wisdom to trace and connect. Let grace, patience, and love be loud as we explore areas in disarray and bring harmony where needed. Let all areas of our lives stand on what’s true this year. Amen.

Proverbs 3:7-8

Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones. 

Kate Harden

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