One Little Thing

One Little Thing

Have you ever gone through a trial that left you absolutely drained?  That is what this pandemic has done to me.  I feel emotionally, physically, and mentally drained.  Occasionally, I have even felt spiritually drained.  Since the most important thing to me is my spiritual life, I work hard to get back on track with that when I notice that I have veered off course.

Have you ever had those moments when you are struggling, and a bible verse seems to jump off the page at you, changing your entire outlook on that struggle?  Perhaps a word of encouragement from a friend that has adjusted your outlook.  One little thing can sometimes have a massive impact on us!

I discovered something recently that has helped immensely with how the pandemic has drained me. Couch potatoes, brace yourself!  Exercise!!!   Seriously!  It has made a huge difference for me.  I used to work out several times a week.  However, last year when I was working nearly 60 hours a week for several months, I was exhausted.  Working out became one of the things I put on the back burner.  While that may have been helpful on occasion, it was not a wise thing to do long term.  I aged so much last year.  I feel it in my body.  I see it when I look in the mirror.  I started having severe pain in my left hip – pain that has made my husband comment that I am moving like an old woman.  (Thanks Honey.)  I even lost my passion for writing for several months.  That is a huge sign that I am struggling because writing is a great release for me.

I finally decided I was going to force myself to exercise again.  I hooked up the Wii and began to move my body again.   It felt so good!  The results were immediate too!  When I finished, I felt refreshed, invigorated, and energized.  I actually wanted to do things around the house.  Of all things, I noticed that the nagging hip pain had decreased.  I even wrote a couple of devotions, and have some ideas for others!

Several years ago, I read a book one time that addressed eating according to your blood type.  It even had a section on what type of exercising was best for each blood type.  I already knew the answer to that one since I had been doing vigorous, high-intensity workouts for years.  This pandemic made me lose focus on how good that is for me.

Years ago, I wrote a devotion that ended with, “Sometimes taking a nap is the most spiritual thing I can do.”  Now I have another thought.  Sometimes exercise is the most spiritual thing I can do!

© 2020, Stacy R. Miller

How is Your Walk?

How is Your Walk?

 

Fitbits seem to be all the rage these days – monitoring our steps to see how far we walk each day.  My employer offers Fitbit challenges, which help us earn money in our health rewards account each year.  With that kind of incentive, our steps become even more important!

 

Walking is very healthy for our bodies.  At the end of a stressful day, nothing helps me relieve that stress like a vigorous walk or high intensity aerobic workout.  It infuses me with a sense of calmness, but can also invigorate and refresh me.

 

As important as it is for us to be active and walk, there is something else even more important because it reaps eternal benefits.  It is paying attention to our spiritual walk.  We do this through the Word of God.  Monitoring our walk with the Lord through constant reading of our Bibles has eternal rewards.

The Bible has much to say about the way we walk.  

 

Walk in love.  Ephesians 5:2

Walk circumspectly.  Ephesians 5:15

Walk not in the counsel of the ungodly.  Psalm 1:1

Walking in truth. 2 John 1:4

Walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:16

Walk as children of the light.  Ephesians 5:8

Walk humbly with the Lord. Micah 6:8

Walk in the light. 1 John 1:7

Walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6

Walk purely and you will walk securely.  Walk in crooked ways, and you will be found out.  Proverbs 10:9

 

The Bible also has a lot to say about our steps.  

 

Psalm 37:21 tells us the law of God is in his heart.  The result is that none of his steps will slide.  This one makes me think of the times I have slipped on ice and either lost my balance, or thrown my back out of alignment.  As important as it is to stay upright while walking on ice, it is imperative that we guard our steps spiritually, so that we don’t slide down a slippery slope into sin.

 

Psalm 37:23 speaks of the how the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.  

Proverbs 16:9  tells us that God establishes our steps.  

Psalm 119:133  is a prayer, asking the Lord to establish our footsteps and keep sin from having dominion over us.  

Psalm 40:2 tells us God sets our feet on a rock and makes our footsteps firm.  

Psalm 18:36 says the Lord enlarges our steps.  

 

The Bible also uses the word “path,” which goes along with how we are to walk.

 

Psalm 23:3  He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Psalm 25:10  All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Proverbs 3:6: In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:17:  Speaks of wisdom, and how her ways are pleasant, and her paths are peace.

Proverbs 4:18  But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

Proverbs 4:26:  Watch the path of your feet and all of your ways will be established.  

Proverbs 16:11  You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Obviously, there are many benefits we can reap when we make the choice to “monitor” our spiritual steps.  

I have reached that age where it doesn’t seem to matter how much I walk or work out, I can’t seem to lose any weight.  (Thank you, menopause!)  While that has often frustrated me, I have resigned myself to the idea that it is still good for me physically and mentally, so I continue to do it.  However, when I monitor my steps through the Word of God, I never get frustrated!  Instead, I am encouraged, challenged, refreshed, renewed, and changed from glory to glory!

 

How’s your walk?

 

© 2019, Stacy R. Miller