I was sitting on the couch the other day just thinking about how I miss my younger body. My teenage and 20-year-old body required zero maintenance and yet was in peak condition. I could throw anything at it and it would take it no questions asked, no complaints lodged. I’m talking staying up all night watching movies and still be in the lecture theatre on time the next morning for a day full of college classes. I remember the time I had full on dessert for breakfast for about a month, my 20-year-old body took what I gave it, squeezed out every nutrient available and produced optimum energy, agility and looks. Now, however, as I inch towards the 40-year mark, the amount of stretching I have to do on a daily basis just to have average motor function is, quite frankly, annoying.
Joshua 14:10-11 hits different for me the more I advance in age. I was like you mean we have this option? You mean to tell me that this comes with the Jesus is my Lord and Savior package? Hallelujah! Sign me up! Do you have a BOGO option too? But seriously, I want what Joshua had when he said I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. (Joshua 14:11) He was 85 years old and still scaling mountains with ease. I’m lucky if I can pick something off the floor without sound effects.
You can imagine my delight when I read Psalm 18:29, seeing it in a new and literal light now that I’m in my late 30s.
“For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall”. Psalm 18:29.
It is not lost on me that there is actual work to be done now, I cannot be nonchalant about my physical health. The virtue of self discipline must be exercised. One must be intentional in choosing to eat nutritious food, drink lots of water, stretch, take that early morning walk and strength train at least 3 times a week. Even though I sometimes reminisce about being young and carefree, I’m grateful to God that He gives me the strength, time, and ability to be able to put in the work and I pray for more grace to continue to do so.
“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way”. Hebrews 12:11.
The Bible really does have advice and wisdom for every single situation that comes our way. Get into the Word! Make a habit of reading your Bible, set aside time to study God’s Word and exercise your brain in memorizing Scripture. You will never regret it!
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right. Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be ready and will have everything he needs to do every good work”. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
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