In this day and age, people will spend hours at the gym working on keeping their bodies in shape, and getting the proper exercise.  They eat healthier foods and increase their water intake.  People are so health conscience that they won’t snack or eat foods high in sodium or carbohydrates.  Now, don’t’ get me wrong, this is a good thing for their body.  But while their working so hard on their physical body; what about their mind.  What do they do to take care of and nurture their mental health?

Stress in our nation as a whole, is at an all-time high and if the devil had his way, he would have us all so stressed out that we weren’t able to function mentally or keep-out the negative emotional baggage that could eventually shorten our life span altogether.  This is not God’s plan for any of us.  In fact, the Bible says that He desires that we prosper and be in good health.  Good health not only speaks of our physical bodies but our mindsets as well.

I was doing some recreational reading recently and a thought came across my mind that struck me like some would say, “A ton of bricks”.  When we refuse to pay attention to our mental health as much as we do our physical health, we are like a hamster stuck on his wheel.  The cycle of hopelessness, depression, loneliness, frustration, and disappointments continues, and can weigh us down so much that life can seem not worth living.  It’s only when we make a decision to “Step Off” the wheel, will we experience the freedom from discontinuing this unhealthy cycle.

This wheel is good and is needed for the hamster, but not for the human. It brings exercise and gives them something to do throughout their days while remaining locked in a cage.  This wheel is a perfect invention for the hamster, but God wants us free from this cycle of self-imposed emotional damage that can impact our overall healthy bodies.  Today, I challenge each of us to “Step Off” the wheel into a life of emotional freedom.  I challenge you to “Shake Yourself Loose” today—“Step Off” and out of a cycle that could ultimately hinder your ability to live a complete healthy and prosperous life.  The choice is yours.  Will you stay on or “Step Off”.   (Read 3 John 1:2 )