what does the bible say about stomach problems

What Does the Bible Say About Stomach Problems?

Stomach problems are distressing, and when your gut issues are impacting your life, it’s important to look for answers in the right places. Scripture gives us wisdom on health and healing, so if you’re dealing with a digestive ailment, you may want to consider what the Bible has to say about stomach problems.

The Bible contains accounts of many physical healings. Jesus healed crowds of people with different illnesses, ranging from blindness to paralysis. In the book of John, Jesus even healed the man possessed by a “legion” of demons. While the Bible mentions stomach issues directly, it’s important to note that the most important healing Jesus offers is spiritual healing and forgiveness of sins. That said, much of Scripture is applicable for physical and spiritual health, so what does the Bible tell us about stomach problems?

God cares about us and our health. In 3 John 1:2, the Apostle John encourages us to “[b]elong in good health even as your soul is prospering.” In Matthew 6, Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

This message that God cares for us and that we must trust Him—including with our digestive systems—is further supported in Proverbs 3:5-8, which reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”

Additionally, much of Jesus’s teaching is open-ended—He speaks in parables so we can apply the lessons to many areas of life. When it comes to regarding stomach problems, He speaks to compassion and care of our bodies. In Mark 5:29, Jesus is quoted as saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” This teaches that faith will help us heal. It’s likely that Jesus meant this in a spiritual sense, but the same teaching could be applied to physical health—put your faith in the Lord and believe healing will come.

Psalm 43:5 likewise encourages us to “hope in God” so we can be renewed in spirit. In this way, even if physical healing doesn’t come, we can strive to find joy in our struggles by drawing near to God.

Nutrition

The Bible doesn’t directly offer dietary advice on stomach problems, but it is full of helpful advice about how to take care of our bodies. In Proverbs 23:20-21, we’re encouraged to “Be faithful to yourself and eat what is right. For it is pleasant if you keep your words inside your heart.” With that said, seeking advice from qualified medical professionals regarding diet modifications may be helpful for managing stomach problems.

Additionally, following your gut instinct has biblical significance. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God instructs Samuel, “Do not look at his [Saul] appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” While this passage isn’t specifically about nutrition, it does remind us that we should pay attention to our inner wisdom—including our rumbles and grumbles from the stomach.

Finally, in Matthew 11, Jesus speaks of rest and self-care, a valuable part of healing. He says, “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Dealing with stomach problems can be daunting and difficult; finding solace and comfort in Christ can be a calming balm for our souls.

Spiritual and Mental Health

Stomach problems can have an impact on our mental and spiritual well-being as well. In addition to the universal advice in the Bible to “trust in the Lord with all your heart,” the book of Psalms can be especially comforting in times of fear and angst. Psalms 23:4 reads, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Whatever the cause of your stomach problems, it’s essential to find ways to navigate your emotions. Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “set your minds on things above and not on things on the earth.” Similarly, Philippians 4:8 talks of focusing on whatever is “true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.” Meditating on Scripture can be an important part of managing anxiety.

Prayer

In times of physical distress, prayer can bring us peace and offer a respite from bodily ailments. Romans 8:26 tells us that we have “the Spirit of God who helps us in our weaknesses.” This is a reminder that God knows our suffering and can provide the comfort we need to maneuver our struggles.

Additionally, Psalm 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Even when we don’t understand why we’re dealing with stomach problems, we can trust in the Lord that He will bring us through.

Meditation

When we feel as if we’re in an unknown place and unable to get a grip on our health, understanding the Lord’s power can be a calming influence. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to “Be still, and know that I am God…” When it comes to our stomach problems, this reminder can help us find peace in moments of turbulence.

Additionally, in Ephesians 4:22-24, believers are instructed to “put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and [you] put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” In this passage, we receive an invitation to turn our focus away from our pain and towards spiritual transformation. When we feel completely overwhelmed with discomfort, Scripture offers us a path to healing.

God’s Plan

Ultimately, it is in God’s hands what happens with our stomach problems. In Genesis 18:14, we’re reminded that “nothing is too hard for the Lord.” And in Isaiah 41:10, the Lord states, “Fear not. For I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

We can’t always know why we are experiencing stomach problems, but we can rest assured that God has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to this saying, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

In Ecclesiastes 11:5, the Bible provides a helpful reminder: “As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything.” When we don’t make sense of what’s happening, it’s essential to keep trusting in the Lord that His plan is best, even if it doesn’t match up with what we’re hoping for.