In recent years, one of the most amazing discoveries about the body has been that it has cycles and rhythms like much of nature. In fact, some of the rhythms of body and mind are tied to nature.
When functioning properly, the human circadian rhythm-or internal body clock of a 24-hour cycle of light and dark, wakefulness and sleep- responds to morning light and the darkening of evening and night. This circadian rhythm sets most other bodily processes. At regular intervals each day, the body tends to become hungry, tired, active, listless, energized. Body temperature, blood pressure, hormone levels, and urine flow rise and fall in this relatively predictable, rhythmic pattern that is under the control of exposure to sunlight and darkness.
Weekly rhythms of seven days, called circaseptan rhythms, are also now recognized. These rhythms are related to the immune system, blood pressure, heartbeat and stress hormones. All living things – plants, animals, insects, and even single cells, seem to have this seven-day rhythm.
Should it be surprising that scientists have determined that these rhythms are inborn in nature? God created 24-hour periods called days, and seven of those days are a week. A lunar month has about four seven-day cycles. God’s created order continues in our bodies just as in all of nature.
Is this a coincidence? I think not. The significance of number seven in the Bible is not to be ignored. The number seven is used as a symbol for completion and rest in creation. The number seven indicates the fullness of God’s revelation and God’s oath or promise. The Bible begins with the seven days of Creation and ends with the seven seals of revelation.
Now science is showing us that this number of completion is woven into all of life. God is the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending” (Revelation 1:8 KJV). It should be no surprise that the central feature of our biological time clock is that the components themselves reflect God’s creation.
“For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).
Stop and think about the marvelous gift of your body. Saint Augustine “People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.” How sad. Man, as he was meant to be, is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian is the priest of that temple. We have the responsibility to take care of it by the Creator’s Handbook.
Regular meals from whole natural foods, daily moderate physical activity, and appropriate rest work with metabolism, not against it. Healthy living begins and ends at the cellular level. This is how God made us and the design hasn’t changed.
As a helpful resource, I have lots of articles on healthy ingredients and recipes that you can implement into your daily life.
If you’d like to dig deeper into my journey of discovering God’s plan for health and wellness, check out my book, Made For Paradise: God’s Original Plan for Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Rest.
