Good Health, Good Life by Joyce Meyer

Meyer has created a very practical and easy to use small book on getting healthy. She believes God has a great life in store for each of us. He wants us to enjoy every single day of it and serve Him to the best of our ability. That means being healthy physically, mentally and spiritually every day. To that end, Meyer shares the lessons she has learned on her way to good health habits.

She gives twelve keys, each an important element to a healthy lifestyle and a sound body, soul, and spirit. She gives the important principles of each key, why it is important, and suggestions to incorporate that key into life.

I was struck by her suggestions to make food sacred, eating to God's glory. I learned about my own habits from her section on mindful eating. Every piece of food put in the mouth is to be a conscious decision. She also writes about the importance of drinking water, the relationship of physical hunger and spiritual hunger, dealing with stress, and how to develop a vision for where you want to go.

Her teaching on stress is great. Now I know why stressed people look older than their years. “You cannot lead a full and righteous life if stress is breaking your emotions and your spirit.” (94)

The best part of this book is that Meyer suggests five ways to incorporate each key into life. She suggests we choose at least one to work on. She has even placed a few lines at the end of the chapter for us to write down our choice and commitment. Dealing with the key elements in this way makes them doable. We can create a plan to eventually incorporate more of her suggestions over time.

In the end she reminds us that it will be a journey. Take it easy, she advises. Take your time. Changing lifestyles will not happen over night. She adds some tips to keep us moving in the right direction.

Food for thought:

“God Himself lives in us by His Spirit and makes His home in us. That is the best reason I know for us to take care of ourselves.” (viii)

“Only God is strong enough to accomplish what needs to be done in your life.” (6)

(Note: this material was previously published in her book, Look Great, Feel Great.)

Joyce Meyer is the author of more than 100 books and a practical Bible teacher with popular television and radio ministries. She travels extensively, holding conferences throughout the world.

FaithWords, 160 pages.