Did you know that your body contains many substances such as elements and minerals, and that you would not live long if they were missing? The Bible tells us God “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” Genesis 2:77And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7). In doing so He provided man with a wonderful body, perfectly balanced with the elements and minerals that the earth contains. Not only that, but He also made food containing these substances in just the right amounts, so that the needed levels in our bodies can be maintained.
One of the most important elements is iron, which helps carry oxygen in the blood to the cells of your body. Certain kinds of meat provide iron, as do eggs, fish and some vegetables. But iron needs copper to help in its work, and this is supplied in shell fish, nuts, dried peas and beans, etc.
Everyone must have calcium to stay alive. Your bones and teeth contain more than two pounds of calcium, and it is an important ingredient in your nervous system, too. God has put this important substance in many foods, especially in dairy products such as milk and cheese.
Salt is another necessity. It is a mineral made up of the two elements sodium and chloride. Although it is essential, many people use too much. Most natural foods contain low, but adequate, levels of salt. We should be careful how much we add with the salt shaker since too much can be harmful. Phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sulfur are all elements your body needs. Almost all foods have these items in them.
Then there is zinc which helps to make strong bones that form the red blood cells and produces substances that heal injured skin and flesh. Chromium, selenium, manganese, iodine and many others must find their way into your body systems if you are to stay alive.
Isn’t it wonderful that the Lord God, our Creator, had plants and other foods with these minerals in them ready for Adam and Eve and all of us ever since then? He created these plants so that they would absorb these substances from the soil and water, and then pass them on to us. This is part of His loving care to keep us healthy and strong.
Not only has He provided the right earthly foods, but more importantly, He has given us “the true bread from heaven.” The Lord Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” John 6:3535And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35). By this He meant that by believing on Him our hearts should never be hungry again for the empty things of this world or thirsty for its temptations. It also says in the Bible, “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalms 107:99For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalm 107:9).
Do you know this wonderful One as your own personal Saviour?
ML-04/17/1983