Exercise

I don’t enjoy exercise. I do it because it is good for me, although I never regret it once it’s over. We subscribe to a streaming service so we don’t have to leave the house to sweat and create sore muscles. It is all about keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol low.

It is true. I feel better when I’m exercising regularly. My clothes fit better. I have more energy. I’m even kinder to others. However, I struggle to keep a similar discipline in my spiritual life. Prayer, worship, study, and community are all important aspects of spiritual fitness. Prayer has been a solid discipline in my life for some time. The rest come and go often in spurts. I’ll start bingeing on reading and studying for several months and then go months without stretching my understanding of Jesus and scripture. It is so easy for spiritual flabbiness to set in.

You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers. (1 Timothy 4: 6-10 MSG).

Here’s the deal. Spiritual exercise also reduces blood pressure, stress hormones, improves sleep, reduces anxiety, and helps me be kinder to others. When I am living a spiritually disciplined life, I am calmer. Life’s challenges are easier to handle.

I know when i have been neglecting my spiritual wellbeing. I get easily agitated. I snap at hubby and the boys. I don’t feel at peace internally. I know it’s time to assess and get back to my spiritual exercises and reconnect myself to Him. Prayer, mediation, reading, podcasts, worship, friends, nature are the variety of ways I connect to Jesus. What is on your list of spiritual exercises?

How do you care for your spiritual wellbeing? What a exercises are your favorites? How do you get back on track? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

2 thoughts on “Exercise

  1. Hi Mary,
    I figure out jogging in nature is a combination of physical and spiritual exercise, especially in the fall! colorful, beautiful, peaceful, thankful and thoughtful jogging, deeply enjoy the glory of God!

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