The word fitness used to make me think of the gym and working out. I would break out in hives just entertaining the thought of entering a gym and sweating in front of other people. I was sure that everyone would be watching me thinking I didn’t belong. I convinced myself I had to be fit to go to the gym in order to “belong” there, rather than acknowledging that going to the gym would help me get fit.
Because I live in a rural area, the closest gyms were 40 minutes from me, so I had a great excuse. Then in December of 2021, a gym opened up about 15 minutes from my home. Not a mega gym, but a family-owned gym that created a welcoming environment for people of every fitness level and age. An environment that encourages everyone to work toward their own goals. An environment where help is always available. So, here I am, six months later and I am officially a convert. I try to work out three days a week but I’m not always successful. But I remind myself that any day I make it gets me one step closer to the goals I have to become physically fit. I have learned that it is one step (or one rep) at a time.
Our spiritual fitness is not that different. We aren’t going to grow in the Lord by sitting on the couch eating chocolate ice cream binge watching When Calls the Heart (although I do recommend this from time to time!). Just like we have to put in the effort to strengthen our body, we have to put in the work to strengthen our spirit.
Here’s some good news. You don’t have to pay for a spiritual trainer. When you accepted the Lord, He gave you one – Holy Spirit. He will push you out of your comfort zone, encourage you to lift more or push harder, and celebrate with you when you reach your spiritual goals. But you have to do your part. Holy Spirit could easily impart all the Godly wisdom and knowledge you want into your brain and heart. Probably with one hand tied behind His back. Odds are, however, you wouldn’t appreciate it the same way you would if you invested your time and heart and earned it.
What is spiritual fitness? It’s learning about the Jesus who died for you. It’s learning about the God who created heaven and earth and pursues a relationship with you. It is digging into scripture to understand what it is God is saying to you. It is making time to not just read a devotional or a blog, but to read His Word. To let the personal message, He has for you come through the pages of your Bible. Because my friend, you and I can read the same scripture. The same chapter. The same parable. But God will touch your heart and mine differently. He will share a personal message with each of us based on where we are in our journey and what we need to hear.
That’s what I love about the Bible. I have read through the Bible four times. And each time, different things stick out. I have read the same scripture over and over, but I learn something new and different when my heart is open to God’s interpretation for my current season of life. There is so much to be gained from spending time understanding the context of scripture and the history associated with it. The meaning of words as they were used in the time the Bible was written. The cultural norms that bring deeper meaning to the written Word.
Just like I’ve come to love going to the gym, I have come to crave time digging deeper into God’s word. But both journeys started with small steps. And those steps are still part of my journey to know God, grow closer to Jesus, and partner with the Holy Spirit.
- Memorize scripture. I know what some of you are thinking! By 10 AM I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast. But anyone can memorize scripture. You just have to go at your own pace. Some can memorize a verse in a few days. Others may take a week. Others a month. I have been praying scripture over my daughter for years. One I pray every day is Ephesians 6:10-13 – The Armor of God. I didn’t intend to memorize it; because I’ve read it everyday for years, I now know it by heart. Memorizing scripture gives you an anchor when things are difficult or challenging or the words to praise God for His provision or blessings. Here are a few of my favorite scriptures that I come home to over and over:
- Isaiah 41:10
- John 15:11
- Philippians 4:6-7
- Philippians 4:10-13
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Hebrews 11:1
- Find passages that encourage you. There are people who memorize entire chapters of the Bible. That is not me. But I do have several chapters or books in the Bible that give me comfort and help me to focus on the goodness of God. I read them regularly.
- Psalm 91
- Psalm 94
- The Book of Ephesians
- The Book of Esther
- Hebrews 11
- Listen to Christian Radio. God speaks to me so often through music. The messages in Christian music are uplifting and sustaining. They give us hope and confidence. And the stations share scripture, messages, and testimonies. As you learn the songs, you’ll be able to sing and praise God on your walks, while you mow the yard, or when driving. And, the good news is God gave you your voice so if you can’t hold a tune, it’s still music to His ears.
- Find Christian Podcasts that to which you can relate. Some of my favorites are on my website (https://simplyjoy.online/my-favorite-resources/). I’m a woman so mine may not be a fit for the guys out there. But you can search podcasts; there are so many incredible people sharing the Word of God in this way.
These are the simple steps I have taken on my journey to placing Jesus over me. And with each one, I’ve found myself growing and craving more. Desperately wanting to curl up in the lap of Jesus and listen to His stories and His wisdom. I may have taken longer to get here than someone else, but that’s okay. Because no one is watching, and Jesus isn’t going anywhere.
Intentionally making my physical fitness a priority has helped my emotional and physical health, my strength and confidence. I can see results from the work I put in. It isn’t always easy and there are times I just want to quit rather than do one more rep. But there is power in pushing limits and finishing strong.
And brothers and sisters, the power that comes from developing your spiritual fitness dwarfs anything we can accomplish in a gym. The stronger your spiritual muscles are, the more Holy Spirit can use you to lift up others. He can send you, prepared and ready, to change lives. He can take what He’s taught you and through you, teach others. The only question you have to answer is this: Am I willing to spend time with God, push my boundaries, test my limits, and trust Him for results beyond my wildest dreams? I hope the answer is yes. Cause I’d love to have more workout partners on my spiritual fitness journey.
What will you do to develop your spiritual fitness? Pick one scripture from the list above and commit to memorize it in July? Spend 5 minutes every day reading the Bible? Find a great podcast? Whatever you decide, know Holy Spirit is waiting to get started.
Read this weeks prayer at: https://simplyjoy.online/prayers/