Honoring God With My Body: Month 1

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

I’ve read that verse many times, but this time it felt personal in a different way.

Not condemning, just clarifying.

This isn’t about appearance. It’s about stewardship. It’s about obedience. It’s about recognizing that even this part of my life belongs to Him.

As I’ve been thinking about all of this, I’ve also found myself reflecting on where I’ve been.

I’m about to be 46 years old, and about five years ago, I was in the best shape of my life. Not because it came easily, but because I worked really hard for it. I built habits, stayed consistent, and was able to maintain it for a season.

But life looked very different then.

I wasn’t working the hours I work now. I wasn’t taking the medications I’m currently on. There was more margin in my days, more energy to give, and more flexibility in how I used my time.

Since then, things have changed. My schedule is fuller, my energy is different, and along the way there were also some emotional things I walked through that I know took a toll on me. When I look back honestly, I can see how all of those pieces played a role in where I am now.

I recently heard that stress can actually prevent weight loss, even when you feel like you’re doing everything right. It reminded me that this isn’t just about food or exercise. It’s about my whole life, my pace, my stress, and how I’m carrying it.

So now, at 45, I’m not just trying to “get back” to where I was. I’m trying to move forward wisely, understanding that I’m in a different season and I need to approach this differently.

And if I’m being completely honest, there’s another layer to this.

Somewhere along the way, I’ve lost confidence in my appearance.

And I know that’s something many women experience, especially in this season of life.

My husband tells me often how beautiful I am and how attracted he is to me. And I do believe that he loves me and sees me that way. But there are still moments where a small part of me wonders if he’s just saying those things to protect my feelings.

That quiet doubt has a way of creeping in if I let it.

And while this journey is not centered on appearance, I can’t pretend that piece doesn’t matter at all. I do want to feel better. I do want to look healthier. Not out of comparison or pressure, but out of a desire to care well for what God has given me.

Because being my best isn’t about one area of life. It’s about all of it, physically, mentally, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. Those things are more connected than we sometimes realize.

So this is where I’m starting.

I do have a goal. I would like to lose 50 pounds. I haven’t set a strict timeline for that. Of course, I would love to see that happen in the next couple of months, but if it takes longer, that’s okay. I’m learning that this isn’t about rushing, it’s about doing this in a way that is sustainable and honoring to God.

Right now, I’m still figuring out what that looks like.

Over the last month, I’ve tried counting calories, but I haven’t really seen progress, and that’s been discouraging. I haven’t been consistent with exercise. Time feels limited, and when I do have time, I’m tired.

Even something as simple as staying hydrated is a challenge for me. I’m not one who drinks a lot throughout the day. It can take me all day to finish a bottle of water. So I know that’s an area I need to be more intentional about.

At the same time, I’m also aware that I enjoy certain foods and drinks simply because I like them. And while I know some of those choices aren’t the best, I also know myself well enough to understand that if I try to cut out everything all at once, I won’t stick with it.

So this is going to require balance. Not extremes. Not perfection. Just steady, intentional choices.

And more than anything, surrender.

Because the biggest difference this time is that I’m not trying to do this on my own.

I’ve already tried that, and it didn’t last.

This time, I’ve given it to God. I’ve told Him honestly, I can’t do this without You. Maybe there was a time when I relied more on my own discipline, but where I am right now, I know I need Him in every part of this process.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1

I don’t want to put effort into something without Him being at the center of it. I want Him in my choices, my mindset, my discipline, and my progress.

And when I reach my goal, every bit of praise, glory, and honor will go to Him. But not just in that final moment. In every small step along the way.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for being here.

If you have advice, tips, or your own story, I would truly love for you to share it in the comments. There is so much value in learning from one another and encouraging each other through seasons like this.

I would also ask that you pray for me.

And if you’re on a similar journey, or feel led to start one, please let me know in the comments. I would be honored to pray for you as well.

We don’t have to do this alone.

Reflection

• Am I honoring God with my body in the way I’m currently living?
• What areas of my life may be affecting my health that I haven’t addressed?
• Am I relying on my own strength, or truly inviting God into this process?
• What is one small, consistent step I can take this week?

Application

Invite God into your daily decisions, even the small ones.
Start simple and focus on consistency over perfection.
Be mindful of stress and bring it to the Lord instead of carrying it alone.
Make room for balance, not extremes.
View caring for your body as an act of obedience and worship.