“For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28 (NIV)
Two of the things that I’m asked for most often are devotional content and fitness or exercise motivation.
No problem! Those are two of the things I’m passionate about sharing with others.
- God’s Word is true and applicable to our daily lives. I want to help people see how to invite God into every aspect of their lives.
- I love to work out. Fitness is a daily part of my life, and I want to help others see how it can be beneficial and enjoyable for them as well.
Scripture is full of motivation to help us see our bodies as His beautiful creation and to encourage us to take care of those bodies because they are a carefully crafted temple of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Exercise can be an act of worship when it is focused as an act of obedience.
I’m a runner, and I have participated in more races than I can even count. I have kept track of my half marathons (over 50), full marathons (over a dozen), and ultras (2) but in addition to those I have raced several 5Ks, 10Ks, 15Ks, 5 mile races, 10 mile races, 1 mile races, etc. Plus I’ve done a few bike races, duathlons, and centuries (100 mile bike ride).
My point is this: I trained for many of these events. I had goals to finish in a certain time or cover a certain distance. I’ll never tell you not to set goals or follow a training plan if that’s what you want to do. I want you to celebrate your wins and goals achieved. I know you’ll still feel discouraged if you miss the mark on one of those goals.
But also invite God into this process. Include Him in your training plan.
You can do this by being grateful and by using your training time for prayer. Add uplifting music for a little worship time.
If movement is not part of your regular activity, may I suggest that you consider adding it?
You don’t have to become a runner or a cyclist or enter races or set big goals. You don’t even have to join a gym.
God gave us bodies to move them. He gave us these bodies so we can do the things He’s called us to do. We were made to live the life He has called us to live.
When we’re not involved in regular movement, our bodies slow down. We tend to get injured more easily. Regular movement delays the aging process. Exercise gives us the endurance to care for our children and grandchildren. God has special work for each of us to do, and we need energy to do it.
Looking at it from a different angle, you may find it hard to focus during your quiet time.
Exercise time may be just the time when you can focus. Many exercises like running, biking, walking, don’t require anything other than for you to move your body. It’s a perfect time to get our minds on Jesus and have a conversation with Him.
And then there is a lack of time.
You may feel as if you don’t have time in the morning to get up and do Bible study and work out. While I do believe that we need to be in God’s Word, flipping through the pages of Scripture, and taking note of His truth, some of those mornings you can combine your time with the Lord and your exercise time. You could even listen to an audio version of the Bible or praise and worship music.
Using this exercise time for the good of both your body and spirit is perfect.
When we include Him in this part of our lives, or any other area of our life, I believe we find more strength, determination, and commitment to the process. He always wants to spend time with you. Why not spend some of it while you’re moving?
I’ve run many miles on my own and with friends. The conversations we have on a run are ones that would never happen over a cup of coffee. There’s something about running, or other movement, that opens you up a little more. When you’re on your own, I can’t think of a better person than our Lord to share our wins, struggles, and concerns with.
I’ve had times that I’ve been out running or biking and find myself crying because I’m pouring my heart out to the Lord. Other times, He reveals something to me, or I have a breakthrough in an area.
Friend, He’ll meet you wherever you are, and He wants to go with you wherever you go.
Consider making your next workout an act of worship. Invite Him to join you.
Action Step
If you don’t have a regular workout routine, make a date with Him and tell Him you’ll meet with Him at 5:00AM (or the time of your choosing!) on your walk or your bike ride. He’ll be there. Will you?
Exercise has been my holy ground. Being able to connect with the Lord during my workouts makes all the difference—in my faith and my fitness. It can become the difference for you, too.
For a list of Bible verses for fitness motivation, click here: https://marshaapsley.com/fitness-verses
