This is the warmest time of year here in Tennessee and from what I hear it is “hot” everywhere. Trying to stay cool is a challenge. This time of year is busy with vacations, getting ready for another school year, or making changes in general. Our family is taking a much-needed vacation. Despite all the business, let’s take a few moments for a Biblical prescription for life.

 Behold now the behemoth which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox... His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones as like bars of iron.

- Job 40:15, 18 (KJV)

How is this a prescription? What can I learn from these two texts? Do I want strong bones? What is this text saying to me?  Scholars think this behemoth may represent an elephant or a water ox, hippopotamus. God created these animals and note, they eateth grass. In verse 18, it points out that his bones are strong like bars of iron.
 
Many of us develop weak bones over time. The term osteoporosis is common among many. As we age, we have a greater tendency to fall, and, if bones are weak, fractures result. I cannot tell you how many of my patients have had a fall and broken a bone. I see at least a hip fracture a month in the hospital.
 
Elephants eat from 200-500 pounds of food a day and drink up to 50 gallons of water while walking outside in the sun. They eat grass, leaves and bark, basically plants. Hippos eat plants as well. 
 
Greens help the bones. Would eating more greens help our bones?  Absolutely! Greens of all types have minerals including calcium, potassium, and magnesium needed for the bones to thrive. I try to eat greens every day, not only for bone health but for vascular health as well. Greens have nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body helping our blood vessels. Greens also help grow our good bowel flora.
 
 These behemoths move, drink water, and are out in the sun. This promotes bone health as well.
 
In this text God is speaking and revealing His power and wisdom as Creator and Preserver of the physical and animal world. Every word spoken to Job is important. These words are also important to me.
 
When I am in the need for wisdom, God is the One to turn to. His word has power on many levels. Though we may not eat grass, we can eat greens, move, drink water, and enjoy the sunlight. This will make our bones stronger. As we live in the Word, our spiritual lives will be stronger as well.
Job was going through tough times. Each one of us face challenges as well. These challenges can bring us closer to God. 
 
This month I challenge you to eat greens, drink water, and move. Let these acts remind you of where to turn daily to face the challenges of life.
 
Heartwise has developed a worship tool to help you stay connected. Find our Biblical Prescriptions app for iOS and Android here. This easy to use tool may be something useful to you or those you serve. Give it a try.
 

James L. Marcum, M.D. FACC
Author, Biblical Prescriptions for Life