She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong. Proverbs 31:17 (ESV)
I’ve never been one to love exercising. Even in middle school, I managed to avoid P.E. as many days as possible. I edited the school newspaper. I ran errands for teachers. Anything to avoid windmills, sit-ups, push-ups, and laps.
Lately, I have been seeing funny t-shirts that say, “I wanted to go jogging, but Proverbs 28:1 says ‘The wicked run when no one is chasing them’ So there’s that…”
It is hilarious, but when it actually comes down to it, exercise is good for us. Our bodies were designed to move. And, the bible says in multiple places that the righteous should also be strong.
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (ESV)
A wise man is full of strength,and a man of knowledge enhances his might, Proverbs 24:5 (ESV)
And then, Proverbs 31 describes the woman that fears the Lord. Among all of the things that she does for her family and the needy, amid descriptions of her strength and dignity, there is this phrase:
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. Proverbs 31:17 (ESV)
I’ve always had trouble sticking to an exercise plan. I want this year to be different. I want to get stronger, more flexible and increase my energy. With enough energy, I can be the wife and mother I need to be. With enough energy, I can do the things God calls me to do.
I don’t have to depend on my own willpower to keep my goals. I have Someone helping me.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
Here’s the thing. I don’t just want to strengthen my body by pushing through with the mental and emotional willpower I currently possess. I will just fail again and again. I want to rely on the unlimited strength of my Savior.
So, instead of everything depending on me waking up early and exercising for a half hour 5 mornings a week (cause I know from experience that I won’t stick with that), I am going to split it up.
Small bursts of movement throughout the day. For a few minutes, several times a day, I will dance or stretch or swing a kettlebell or run up and down the stairs or go for a walk. Just a few minutes. A few times a day. Of intense activity.
This won’t help me increase endurance, but I am not trying to make it to the Olympics, I am trying to increase energy and strength and flexibility. At the same time, one of my goals this year is to pray more.
Pray more. Move more.
So, when I move, I will pray or put on some praise music and worship. Communication with God paired with improvement of my health.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
Pray more. Move more.
Strong Body. Strong Spirit.
Action Step: What about you? Wanna move with me? Let’s move closer to God in our spirits while we move our physical bodies. This week, I will move three times a day (just a few minutes at a time) while praying.
Dear God, I know from Your word that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Thank You for strength when my willpower fails me. Help me to stay motivated to get stronger and healthier with exercise. In Jesus’ name, amen.