It’s that time of year again, reflections made of the year past…new resolutions for the year that lies ahead.
What’s on your list of resolutions this year? Will you stick to a budget, will you determine to give more of your time to those in need, or will you stop biting your nails this year?
Studies have shown that one of the most expressed resolutions include exercising more and losing weight? Obesity is a physical disease that can and does affect our health, growth, and quality of life.
Now, I know that it often means physical weight but this is a daily dose of encouragement pertaining to The Word so…this week we’re going to evaluate our spiritual obesity. Specifically, some of the areas that hinder us from being spiritually healthy. This spiritual disease results from some of the same issues that being physically unhealthy can produce but it causes stunted spiritual growth and a stagnant relationship with Christ.
Often times people won’t begin an exercise regimen because they simply don’t know where to start. The Internet is inundated with options; videos, programs, equipment, what not to eat, what to eat, how to eat. You name it; it’s available. It can be confusing and overwhelming unless you have a plan.
As followers of Christ, united with Him, we can rest assured that God has a plan (Ephesians 1:11 NLT). And He presents it to us very clearly and in abundance through His Word. We don’t have to wonder what the next step is, He tells us. We needn’t become frustrated or overwhelmed, He is in control.
The first step to beginning a “spiritual exercise program” is prayer. Candid and personal conversation with your very own Personal Trainer. Remember, He’s the professional. He’s done this before, you’re not his first client. Come to Him ready to learn. Don’t just lay out what you want to accomplish, find out what He has in store for you. Our prayers are much more productive when we make it less about us and more about Him. James 1:5 tells us to ask God for wisdom and He’ll generously give it to you.
The second step is to get in The Word and get The Word into you. Seek Scripture for the knowledge of God. I know you’re thinking, “Ok, well, where do I start?” Since we’re talking about growing strong, look up every passage you can find on strength. Like:
Ephesians 6:10
1 Chronicles 16:11
1 Samuel 17:32-50 and my favorite…
Hebrews 12:12-13
The first thing a personal trainer does is get a client on a diet of healthy foods. These foods that will give you endurance and strength to sustain you through your healthy lifestyle. God’s Word is our spiritual nourishment and it functions in precisely the same way. It gives us strength and endurance to get through those trials in life that seem impossible, even those small bumps in the road that we just can’t seem to overcome. Scripture is soul food. And there is not one single ounce of bad calories in it. It’s like Coke Zero…all the flavor; none of the calories!
Now you have a starting point or maybe this is just a refresher course for you. Whatever the case, it’s time to get started!
By Grace Alone,
Tracey
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