Sitting!
So how do you exercise spiritually speaking? We talked last week how that when we have a sedentary lifestyle how detrimental it is to our physical health. But how does that apply spiritually? The reality is that when we are taking care of our bodies in a physical way it actually has an effect on our spiritual lives. If you don’t feel good physically it affects every area of our lives. We just want to live for self because we don’t feel like doing anything different.
What does it feel like when you have been sick for a while and you have done nothing? I can relate to this very much. A little over 10 years ago I got very sick. And I was sick for a very long time. I was so sick I could do nothing. For several days I was even too weak to eat. I finally started eating out of principle, not because I was hungry. But even when I was eating I could hardly lift the spoon to my mouth. It took so much energy that I would sleep for a long time afterward. I was sedentary physically as well as spiritually. I was unable to do anything.
Moving
If we are not moving spiritually our spiritual immune system gets down and we can easily get spiritually sick. When temptation comes along we are drawn in quickly and fail to overcome. We get angry with those around us a lot more easily. And we can also have a depressed feeling.
But after a while of not moving spiritually, you can start to have a false sense of ease. The temptations seem to be less frequent and things seem to be going relatively easy. It all depends on what our goal is. Is our goal to win the race of life? And if it is, what race do we want to win? Is it the race of ease and security or the race of eternal life? If we want to win the race of eternal life it will take courage, discipline, and moving.
Exercise
I talked in part 2 of this series about the importance of spending time in God’s Word. And how we need to chew on it thoroughly so that we can understand it through the power of the Holy Spirit. But I also believe there is another aspect and that is exercising the muscles that the Lord has given us. And as we exercise this muscle it will become stronger and help keep our spiritual immune system healthy so that when “sickness” (temptations) comes around we will have such a strong immune system that we can keep from getting spiritually sick.
I believe that as we are memorizing God’s Word we are exercising our brain muscle so that we can run the race with confidence. I am not saying memorizing is easy. But as you do, it will become easier.
When I was ill with the sickness that I talked about above, it affected my brain. I lost a lot of my memory. Even today after so many years my family will remind me of things that we did as a family or incidents that happened and I no longer can remember them. So when I do memorize it is very difficult. I have to trust the Lord that He will bring it to my memory when I need it because I have put forth the effort. There are times when I forget how to do something that I do every day and I have to try to bring it to my mind. Sometimes it takes me 2-3 minutes or longer before I can think of how to do it. I know as I age it also is a factor as well. But when I first was sick it was way worse and happened to me quite often. Now, due to some supplements that the Lord led me to it happens less. It happens mostly now when I feel under pressure. And remembering people’s names can be one of the worst. But I keep persevering with the memorizing and as I do I see the Lord’s blessing.
Energy
When we physically exercise it can bring us more energy. The same is true of spiritual exercise. When we memorize and study God’s Word it brings energy into our spiritual life. Because when our brains are being exercised they will not be sluggish and sedentary. You will be alert and energized to fight the battles of the day. Now you have your armor to go forth for the day and God can use that armor that you have chosen to put on to help you win the battles.
Will there be “pain” and “discomfort” with memorizing? Absolutely! Just like physical exercising we need to persevere. And just like our muscles get built up when exercising physically our spiritual muscles will also and it will become easier and less painful.
Dear Father,
Thank You for Your Word and Your ways that can help us in this race of life so that we may win the race. And the amazing part about this race is that we all can be the winners. You have given us all the necessary provisions for us for which I am grateful. Thank You for Your love, Your patience as we run, and for Your forgiveness when we fall.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
If you are not already memorizing God’s Word I would encourage you to do so.
Love you all!
What ways do you use to memorize that helps you in the process?
This is part 4 in a several part series “Maintaining Healthy Immune Function”. There are many things I will be sharing with you on how to support your immune system, both physically and spiritually. Although what I am sharing is not exhaustive, I am sharing just a taste from my own experience. In part 3 I talked about how physical exercise helps in maintaining a healthy immune system. Coming up in part 5 I will be talking about how fresh air plays a role in maintaining healthy immune function. Stay tuned!