Daily devotional, August 17, 2024
Wellness Holiday
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
As more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of caring for one’s mental health, wellness holiday destinations have become a growing niche in the travel industry. And why not, people want to escape the hustle and bustle of their stressful work or personal lives.
During such wellness vacations, people get to relax, rejuvenate, and detoxify in a resort or nature inspired setting. There they get to participate in retreats, get massages, join individual or group meditations, mind healing therapy sessions, plus full board wholesome, organic, plant-based meals.
And while these will indeed nourish the body, and could possibly feed the mind too, like all good things, the sessions and the vacations will still come to an end. Depending on the power of your wallet, the vacation can last for a week or more, but it can be as short as two or three days.
Wouldn’t it be great if the inner peace that came with the healing go beyond the end of the vacation, and last until we have settled in again to the stressful life we tried to escape from?
As followers of Jesus, we need not fly out or check in on a healing sanctuary to receive the inner peace being offered by these wonderful wellness holiday destinations. The moment we surrendered our life to our Lord and Savior, we received the peace and tranquility that He offers, through the forgiveness of our sins and the his sanctifying work in our lives.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
While Jesus’ peace is not the kind that exempts us from difficulties and problems, it is the kind of peace that transcends problematic situations. It is the kind of peace that allows you to still sleep at night amid the challenges you face because you know that you are not offending God, and that you do not willingly hurt others.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
It is the kind of peace that allows you to see beyond your circumstances because you know you have a God that has your back, and has great plans for your life.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
It is the kind of peace that keeps you from getting envious about what other people have. The peace of heart to be genuinely happy for other people’s achievements. The peace that brings contentment in your heart.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
While there is nothing wrong with seeking to vacation in healing sanctuaries and retreat centers, there is nothing better than seeking God’s presence and guidance daily.
"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Matthew 6:6
We can do this prioritizing our prayer time with Him every morning, and before we turn in at night. We wake up earlier than usual to pray to the Lord — telling Him about our thoughts, our worries, and fears, and thanking Him for everything that He has done for us. We then try to listen to what He has to say by reading our Bible and trying to reflect on what it says, and what it means to our life. If we do not know where to start reading, we can start with the Gospel of John and read a chapter or even half every day.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
And as we nourish our soul every day through prayer and bible reading, we get to feed it even more by joining bible study classes, spending time with other fellow believers, and actively worshiping the Lord every Sunday. It is when we have a relationship with Him, and live our lives fully surrendered to Him and in obedience to His teachings, will we experience lasting peace.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Isaiah 12 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you lack inner peace? What methods have you tried to gain it?
Conversation with the Lord: _ Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing lasting peace into my life. Allow me to always reach out for your hand, because only you can provide me the peace and joy that transcends difficult circumstances in my life. Amen.
