In our culture, we have a tendency to put our focus on a quick fix for our health problems. That’s why some people run to the doctor before they pray for healing because they want quick relief from their discomfort. But anything we run to first instead of God can become an idol if our heart is not first submitted to Jesus.
We can get ourselves off of God’s path when we try to fix or figure things out ourselves rather than trusting and submitting to Jesus.
When we submit our will to Jesus, He will show us what to do. Maybe He wants us to speak specific Bible verses aloud to receive healing. Maybe He wants us to drink more water instead of coffee or soft drinks. Maybe our health issues are coming from continual anxiety that is ruling our lives and it needs to be addressed.
Only He can lead us into all truth. The key is submission. We must submit to Him in order for Him to lead us and direct our paths.
Here’s how this practically works: When you feel discomfort, don’t just grab a pill, a supplement, or even your bandana. Pause first and submit your will to the Holy Spirit.
If you reach for a quick fix without submitting to Jesus, you are likely operating from fear or control, which will lead into idolatry.
God does not want us to put so much attention on our problems that we lose connection to Him. He wants us to focus more on Him than our symptoms.
In this situation, you can pray something like this, “Holy Spirit, I submit to You right now. Thank You for being here with me and leading me. What do you want me to do right now?”
Be still and listen.
He may want you to ignore your symptoms, turn on some music and worship Him.
When your mind is so consumed by your problems, worship can redirect your focus and get you out of a negative mindset and onto Him where it belongs.
Or, Holy Spirit may prompt you to use your authority and command the symptoms to go.
He may lead you to lie down and rest while playing the Psalm 91 and 103 prayers over your body for 30 minutes.
This is what it looks like to submit and follow Him.
You don’t have to figure it out. You don’t need to know the answer.
Release control and fear.
Lean into the One who created your body and just wants fellowship with you no matter how you feel in that moment.
What do you do when you find yourself slipping into idolatry because of fear?
It’s as simple as repenting to God, turning from it, and letting Him be Lord of your life, especially your health.
I know it’s hard to do that when you are physically suffering, but if He is Lord of your life, you can trust Him when things are easy and hard.
We trust Him in every situation. The truth is that He is worthy of our praise no matter what we are going through.
Even though you feel uncomfortable, submit to God and He will show you the way through it.
Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you, as it says in James 4:7.