Monday morning I worked out for the first time in a week. While at the Lighthouse, I didn’t really have time or a location I could work out. I did manage to take several long walks and scaled the stairs more times than I can count; however, I did no upper body workout. When we started Monday morning, I found it difficult to lift the weights I lifted prior to my trip. I was struggling to do what I had done before. Because I had taken a break from the daily commitment and routine of working out, I found myself weaker. I also found I missed working out each day.
I couldn’t help but see the lesson the Lord was teaching me in the spiritual realm of life. When we get out of the habit of meeting with Him and studying His Word daily, it is hard to get back into the routine. Sometimes we struggle and want to give up because we’ve not used our spiritual muscles with as much focus in a while. Sure, we may still go to church and even participate in a small group, but it is the day to day meeting with the Lord that truly strengthens our spirit. It is the one on one time with Jesus that develops our relationship with Him, thus strengthening our knowledge and faith.
Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Isaiah 26:9a says, “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.” Obviously, we are to spend time daily with the Lord. Once we get into the habit of meeting with Jesus daily, we yearn for that time with Him each day and miss it when it doesn’t happen.
Make sure you take time today to strengthen your spiritual muscles. Just like when you work out your physical muscles, the benefits are great. You will be much healthier and have more stamina when things get difficult. It takes effort but the rewards are astounding.