Divine Motivation
Does exercise feel like a never ending nag? You know it’s “good for you” but that doesn’t seem to draw you off the couch. You’d like to shed a few pounds, but that too is often insufficient motivation. How about lowering blood pressure or cholesterol? Seems important when you’re sitting in the doctor’s office, but less so when the 5:00 a.m. wake-up-to-workout alarm rings. Then there’s the upcoming wedding or class reunion. A great short-term incentive, but afterwards you slide back to sedentary.
So how can we stay on track? As Christians, can we process the dilemma differently?
Like those who participate in Celebrate Recovery, the first step may be to fall on your knees. Admit to your Father your spirit is willing but your flesh is weak. Remind yourself that His power will be perfected in your weakness. Since we’re called to care for your temple, you can ask in confidence that He’s available to help. “Lord, I confess my complacency when it comes to self-care. I want to honor You with my physical discipline. Please change my heart, giving me a renewed enthusiasm and diligence.” John 14:13 says “Anything you ask in my name, I will do it.” Come to Him boldly and watch the Spirit work.
Next, take Phil 4:13 to heart. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I can get up early to exercise through Christ who strengthens me. I can avoid chocolate chip cookies through Christ who strengthens me. Remember, the entire Christian experience is about victory over temptation through surrender. What we can’t accomplish by ourselves, which is most everything, is possible through Christ. You can stay committed to regular exercise not through willpower but through total submission to the One who created your miraculous body. Ask for His strength and discipline. Speak His promises. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:9) You can’t but He can.
What if you turned your exercise time into worship time? “Worship Workouts” so to speak. Whether you listen to praise music or simply sing your adoration a cappella, what better time to spend with your Friend? You know He walks with you wherever you go, so talk to Him! He’s happy to listen why you hate to exercise... What if the weather’s inclement? No worries! Dance in your living room! Crank up your tunes, wave your arms wildly, and give God the glory. Both body and soul will be nourished.
Gratitude miraculously melts the heart, so spend time each day giving thanks for a body capable of moving. What a gift it is to be able to walk. Just ask someone who can’t. What a marvelous miracle is the ceaseless beating of a healthy heart. Cherish it by keeping it strong through rigorous movement. Most of us have the strength and flexibility to execute life’s routine tasks. Celebrate that freedom with regular stretching and resistance training to maintain your physical well-being. Take just a moment to ponder life without your health and you’ll be motivated to preserve it.
Do you know someone who could use some support in their exercise regimen? What if you offered to walk with them? It’s a win/win because you’ll both get moving. What if your small group committed to supporting one another both physically and spiritually? Wouldn’t the friendly accountability be beneficial to all? Be willing to be vulnerable, ask for their support and undoubtedly they’ll confess they need nudging too.
And last but certainly not least be sure your 4-legged friend is getting enough exercise. Like their peeps, many of today’s canines are way too pudgy. They need to move too, so grab their leash and go.
All too often spirits simultaneously plummet with temps and length of days. Winter is a time notorious for tucking in and slowing down. Consider it an opportunity to ask your Father to be your Personal Trainer. Who better understands you, both physically and emotionally? Be willing to create your own sunshine with music and movement. Like all of life’s challenges, our disdain for exercise is a fabulous faith opportunity. So when you’re feeling the winter blues, pray, get out and get going.
Final food for thought: http://www.fitnessconsulting.com/featured/video/2778