Welcome! I’m thrilled to have you join the wellness Bible study! In this section, we’ll be focusing on passages related to sleep. The passages can also reflect rest and energy management and may be revisited in the Energy management section.
I encourage you to read the specific passages and explore the story and context behind them. Feel free to choose one passage to focus on over the next few weeks or explore multiple—whatever works best for your learning style. During our next session, we will discuss key highlights, observations, and any questions during your study.
Bread of Life: READ John 6
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'” John 6:35
In John 6:35, Jesus presents Himself as the “bread of life,” illustrating that He alone can satisfy our deepest needs. This metaphor connects physical hunger with the spiritual hunger that only a relationship with Christ can fulfill. By coming to Jesus and believing in Him, we find lasting spiritual nourishment, peace, and satisfaction beyond what physical food or worldly pursuits can provide.
- Understanding Spiritual Fulfillment: What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the bread of life”? How does this metaphor help us understand the nature of spiritual nourishment?
- Seeking Lasting Satisfaction: In what ways do we sometimes try to satisfy our spiritual hunger with temporary or earthly things? How does a relationship with Jesus provide a different kind of fulfillment?
- Reflecting on Hunger and Thirst: What does it mean to “never go hungry” or “never be thirsty” spiritually? How can we apply this promise to times of struggle or emptiness in our lives?
- Daily Spiritual Nourishment: How can you “come to” Jesus each day to receive the nourishment He offers? What practices can help you cultivate this sustaining relationship?
These questions encourage reflection on how Jesus, the “bread of life,” is the true source of spiritual fulfillment, guiding us to deepen our relationship with Him as the foundation for lasting peace and contentment.
Israel’s Journey and Their Hunger: READ Deuteronomy 8
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:3
Deuteronomy 8:3 recounts a moment in Israel’s journey where God allowed the people to experience hunger, only to miraculously sustain them with manna from heaven. This verse emphasizes that physical sustenance alone is not enough; true life comes from relying on God’s word and guidance. Through this experience, God taught the Israelites—and teaches us today—the importance of spiritual nourishment, humility, and trust in His provision.
- Understanding Context: Why did God allow the Israelites to experience hunger in the wilderness? What was His purpose in providing manna?
- Spiritual Lessons: What does it mean that “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord”? How does this verse highlight the importance of spiritual over physical sustenance?
- Personal Reflection: When have you faced a time of “hunger” (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) that led you to rely more fully on God? How does this passage challenge you to seek God’s word as a source of life and strength?
- Application in Daily Life: How can you prioritize spiritual nourishment in your everyday routine? Are there areas where you may be overly focused on physical needs, rather than seeking God’s guidance?
These questions are designed to encourage reflection on the deeper meaning of the verse and to help draw connections between God’s provision for Israel and His ongoing care for us today.
Live in the Ordinary: READ 1 Corinthians 10
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul encourages believers to live every part of their lives—even in the ordinary actions of eating and drinking—with a focus on glorifying God. This verse emphasizes that everything we do, no matter how small, can honor God when done with the right heart and intention. It serves as a reminder to approach all aspects of life as opportunities to reflect our faith and gratitude.
- Understanding Intent: What does it mean to “do it all for the glory of God”? How does this apply to simple, everyday actions?
- Living with Purpose: Why do you think Paul chose to mention eating and drinking specifically? What does this suggest about how we can approach routine activities?
- Personal Reflection: How can you be more intentional in glorifying God in your daily life, including in small, routine actions? Are there areas of your life where you might be overlooking opportunities to honor God?
- Application in Community: How can this verse inspire the way you interact with others? In what ways can your actions reflect God’s love and goodness?
These questions encourage reflection on how to integrate faith into all areas of life, turning even routine actions into expressions of worship and devotion.
Submit – READ Proverbs 3
“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 encourages us to place our full trust in God, seeking His wisdom over our own limited understanding. This verse calls us to submit every aspect of our lives to Him, including our choices related to nourishment and self-care. When we trust in God’s guidance, He promises to lead us on a clear and purposeful path, showing us how to live in alignment with His will.
- Understanding Trust and Submission: What does it mean to “trust in the Lord with all your heart”? How does this differ from relying on our own understanding?
- Applying the Verse to Daily Choices: How might this verse influence the way we make decisions about health, nourishment, and well-being? What does “submitting all your ways” look like in the context of daily life and routine choices?
- Personal Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you find it difficult to trust God fully or tend to rely on your own judgment? How has trusting God in the past impacted your life, and how does it encourage you to keep trusting Him?
- Aligning with God’s Guidance: How can you be intentional about inviting God’s guidance into decisions around self-care and nourishment? In what ways does trusting God bring you peace and clarity in uncertain or challenging situations?
These questions encourage a thoughtful reflection on how trust in God impacts our everyday choices and reminds us of His faithfulness to guide us when we surrender fully to Him.
True Nourishment: READ Matthew 4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4
In Matthew 4:4, Jesus reminds us that while physical food sustains our bodies, true nourishment comes from God’s Word. This verse highlights the importance of spiritual sustenance and encourages us to seek deeper fulfillment through our relationship with God. Jesus’ response emphasizes that we are not merely physical beings; our spirits need nourishment that only God’s presence and wisdom can provide.
- Understanding the Source of True Nourishment: What does Jesus mean by saying, “Man shall not live on bread alone”? How does this shift our understanding of what sustains us?
- Physical vs. Spiritual Needs: Why is it essential to balance our physical needs with spiritual growth? How can we cultivate spiritual “nourishment” in our daily lives?
- Reflecting on Our Own “Bread”: Are there things in life that we rely on for fulfillment that don’t truly satisfy our spirits? How can we turn to God’s Word for deeper satisfaction?
- Application in Daily Choices: How can you make time each day to “feed” your spirit with God’s Word? What changes might this bring to your overall sense of well-being?
These questions encourage a thoughtful approach to how we seek fulfillment, reminding us of the sustaining power of God’s Word and its place in our daily lives.