Spiritual Health:

The Bedrock of Holistic Wellness

by Kari Barron

In 2018, my church launched a Biblical Church Counseling Training course and mentioned it during Sunday service. I thought it was great they were offering the opportunity for people to learn about peer counseling since I had benefited from it before—but I had no plans to attend.

Then, on the Monday evening it was set to begin, everything changed.

A Divine Nudge

After work, I went to the gym as usual. On my way out, I chatted with a friend at the front counter who shared a personal struggle. I told her I would pray for her on my 20-minute drive home.

But as I tried to pray, the Lord kept interrupting my thoughts.
No matter how hard I tried to focus on her, my mind returned to the counseling class. Over and over.

When I walked in the door, I told my husband, “I think I’m supposed to go to the counseling class tonight.” He replied, “I was thinking that too and was going to bring it up when you got home.” That was all the confirmation I needed.

So I showered, threw on my jammies and sweatshirt (my small act of rebellion), and went to class anyway—obedient, but admittedly not eager.

Hearing God Through Obedience

The room was packed. I slipped into a seat near the back and listened as Pastor Dan repeated one phrase that struck me to the core:

“The purpose of this training is to help the counselee develop healthy living skills in light of learned and applied biblical application.”

He used the word “health” so many times I felt like he was speaking directly to me.

I’ve always been passionate about whole-person wellness, and at that moment, I knew I was exactly where God wanted me to be.

Eight Aspects of Spiritual Identity

Throughout the 36-week course, we studied eight aspects of Identity—principles I still use with my clients today.
Here’s the handout we received that first night:

• Honesty: Humbly accepts that all truth comes from God and is truthful with self, God, and others.
• Identity: Knows God personally and has a healthy balance of self-sufficiency and dependence on others.
• Capability: Believes God wants the best for them and trusts He will help them achieve His purposes.
• Risk-Taking: Takes healthy risks in faith without being rigid, reckless, or anxious.
• Roles: Lives surrendered to God in all aspects of life.
• Action Plan: Creates and pursues steps that move from the real to the ideal.
• Sharing: Lives to share God’s blessings with others.
• Integrity: Cares more about what God thinks than what others think.

What a powerful model for living! These components are essential for becoming a balanced, thriving, Christ-centered individual. That class wasn’t just educational—it was transformational. It reshaped how I see both spiritual and physical health.

Why Spiritual Health Matters in Wellness

In my naturopathic practice, I always discuss spiritual beliefs with clients.
That’s because spiritual health directly influences physical, emotional, and mental wellness.

Proverbs 23:7 reminds us:

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.”

Our thoughts create our internal environment.

And Isaiah 26:3-4 assures us:

“Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.”

When our spirit is anchored in God’s peace, our mind and body find balance and resilience.

Faith as the Foundation of Healing

While my work is grounded in faith, I welcome and respect people of all beliefs. You don’t need to share my personal faith to benefit from this approach—but understanding that foundation can help you see why I view spiritual health as the cornerstone of holistic wellness.

I don’t know of a better Rock to build life on than the God of the Bible.
As Philippians 4:7 promises:

“The peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

That peace is the ultimate picture of health—body, mind, and spirit in harmony under God’s care.

Building on the Rock

True wellness begins when we align with God’s design. When your foundation is firm in faith, you can face uncertainty without fear, grow through challenge, and heal from the inside out.

Spiritual health is not just a part of the picture—it’s the bedrock of holistic wellness.
When your spirit thrives, your body follows.

🙏 I’m praying for you—and cheering you on as you build your life on the Rock.

Stay Connected for Faith-Guided Wellness

If this story encouraged you, I’d love to keep walking with you on your wellness journey.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes and not intended as medical advice.