Attend to Your Spirit in 2019
Some individuals believe that the spiritual side of their lives does not exist or is of little significance today. Multitudes of people everywhere accept that as human beings we possess a physical side which relates to the environment around us; a social side which helps us to link with others; a mental side designed to acquire knowledge; an emotional side that allows us to experience inner feelings, and a spiritual side that connects us to someone or something more powerful than ourselves who many refer to as God.
Throughout the world and in many cultures, people understand or perceive God differently. For some, God is one person; for others, God is plural; while yet others believe that everybody or everything is God. There is yet another group who categorically states that there is no God. Whatever concept or misconception we may have of God, it seems impossible for us as human beings to escape the idea that we possess a spirit which influences us to worship something or someone. As a Christian, I have chosen to believe in a living, personal God who created the entire world, and is All-powerful, All wise, All knowledgeable, and possesses All understanding, and unconditional love.
There is so much energy devoted to the non-spiritual areas of our lives today that the spiritual self of which we are comprised is often placed on the back burner. When overwhelmed by major challenges within the physical, social, mental or emotional department of our lives there is a tendency to seek out someone or something we believe has greater resources than we do to help us in and through those crises. The same passion seems not to be generated within the spiritual segment of many people lives.
Within the medical field it is discovered that spirituality plays a significant role in the lives of patients. Dr. Christiana M. Puchalski, Professor of Medicine and Health Science at George Washington School of Medicine and Director of Spirituality and Health found that: “those who are spiritual tend to have a more positive outlook and a better quality of life. For example, patients with advanced cancer who found comfort from their religious and spiritual beliefs were more satisfied with their lives, were happier, and had less pain.”
The Royal College of Psychiatrists published an article in 2014 on Spirituality and Mental Health and stated that: “Spiritual practices can help us to develop the better parts of ourselves. They can help us to become more creative, patient, persistent, honest, kind, compassionate, wise, calm, hopeful and joyful. These are all part of the best health care.”
When it comes to the emotional and social side of mankind the University of Maryland Medical Center in 2015 wrote: “Spiritual practices tend to improve coping skills and social support, foster feelings of optimism and hope, promote healthy behavior, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and encourage a sense of relaxation.”
Journalist Eric Nelson of Communities Digital News on March 2014 in his article on Spirituality and Health Care said: “With more than 75 percent of all medical schools in the U.S. having integrated spirituality into their training programs – up from just three schools 20 years ago – it’s safe to say that this once marginalized subject has made it into the mainstream of modern medicine.”
This year marks 50 years of my enjoying a personal relationship with my God. I can attest to what the scientists are now challenging people to accept. As a teenager I was full of rebellion prior to my encounter with the living God who revealed Himself to me through His creation. That divine encounter moved me to ask Him to come into my life and help me direct its affairs. From that day I have been relishing God’s inner peace and spiritual strength which continues to keep me buoyant in the midst of life’s challenges.
During 2019 and beyond, keep your spiritual life on the front burner. Happy New Year to you!
Throughout the world and in many cultures, people understand or perceive God differently. For some, God is one person; for others, God is plural; while yet others believe that everybody or everything is God. There is yet another group who categorically states that there is no God. Whatever concept or misconception we may have of God, it seems impossible for us as human beings to escape the idea that we possess a spirit which influences us to worship something or someone. As a Christian, I have chosen to believe in a living, personal God who created the entire world, and is All-powerful, All wise, All knowledgeable, and possesses All understanding, and unconditional love.
There is so much energy devoted to the non-spiritual areas of our lives today that the spiritual self of which we are comprised is often placed on the back burner. When overwhelmed by major challenges within the physical, social, mental or emotional department of our lives there is a tendency to seek out someone or something we believe has greater resources than we do to help us in and through those crises. The same passion seems not to be generated within the spiritual segment of many people lives.
Within the medical field it is discovered that spirituality plays a significant role in the lives of patients. Dr. Christiana M. Puchalski, Professor of Medicine and Health Science at George Washington School of Medicine and Director of Spirituality and Health found that: “those who are spiritual tend to have a more positive outlook and a better quality of life. For example, patients with advanced cancer who found comfort from their religious and spiritual beliefs were more satisfied with their lives, were happier, and had less pain.”
The Royal College of Psychiatrists published an article in 2014 on Spirituality and Mental Health and stated that: “Spiritual practices can help us to develop the better parts of ourselves. They can help us to become more creative, patient, persistent, honest, kind, compassionate, wise, calm, hopeful and joyful. These are all part of the best health care.”
When it comes to the emotional and social side of mankind the University of Maryland Medical Center in 2015 wrote: “Spiritual practices tend to improve coping skills and social support, foster feelings of optimism and hope, promote healthy behavior, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and encourage a sense of relaxation.”
Journalist Eric Nelson of Communities Digital News on March 2014 in his article on Spirituality and Health Care said: “With more than 75 percent of all medical schools in the U.S. having integrated spirituality into their training programs – up from just three schools 20 years ago – it’s safe to say that this once marginalized subject has made it into the mainstream of modern medicine.”
This year marks 50 years of my enjoying a personal relationship with my God. I can attest to what the scientists are now challenging people to accept. As a teenager I was full of rebellion prior to my encounter with the living God who revealed Himself to me through His creation. That divine encounter moved me to ask Him to come into my life and help me direct its affairs. From that day I have been relishing God’s inner peace and spiritual strength which continues to keep me buoyant in the midst of life’s challenges.
During 2019 and beyond, keep your spiritual life on the front burner. Happy New Year to you!