Chris May

By the end of 2012, my medicine cabinet looked like Walgreen’s Pharmacy. Antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, and dozens of other prescriptions—all with my name on them—lined the shelves. I couldn’t help but wonder why I felt the way I did at the mere age of 34. My bank account was empty, due to constant prescription costs and numerous visits to doctors. I had grown to accept depression, mania, lethargy, chronic pain, and emotional instability. I would never thrive in life—I was doing well to survive. Or so I thought…

2013 was a year of revolutionary change, and I experienced nothing short of a miracle; that miracle though, came bundled with hard work and lifestyle changes. The Lord answered my ardent, desperate prayers for transformation, though He didn’t work in the way I expected. I wanted to wake up one morning and feel exceptional. That didn’t happen. Instead, the Lord led me to the right people and places, and I would soon learn how to live a healthier lifestyle. I finally recognized that for so long I had been praying for healing of a body and mind that I refused to take care of. That would be like praying for God to help an automobile function properly, but refusing to perform regular maintenance. It doesn’t make sense.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (NKJV). When is the last time you heard this preached from the pulpit? Many Christians spend much time panning to their spiritual needs; yet, they often neglect their physical being. I was guilty of this. To be most effective in ministry, I learned, I must take care of the vessel that the Lord has given me.

Soon after this revelation, I began making several modifications to my lifestyle, and I noticed rapid and remarkable changes. I made adjustments to my spiritual life, my emotional health, and altered the way that I treated my body. Amazingly, I now feel better than I can remember ever feeling in my life. God blessed my efforts as I journeyed down this road of health and wholeness. It has now been over a year since I have seen a doctor. I no longer suffer from depression or mania, nor do I have chronic lethargy. My life is healthy and balanced, and my relationships with my family and with the Lord have been greatly enhanced.

Over the next several weeks, my desire is to share the specific changes to my devotional life, diet, exercise regimen, sleep patterns, and lifestyle, which propelled me towards radical transformation. I am by no means an expert nor a professional in these areas, but I have spent much time with those who are. If you, or someone you know suffers from depression, anxiety, or physical ailments, I encourage you to read these next posts. I hope you are compelled to start down this road to a better, healthier life.

Many Blessings,

Chris