Nearly every morning I make myself exercise. I hate it. All that huffing and puffing, and muscles crying out, “Stop! You’re hurting me!” Add to that the boredom factor.
What I do like are the results. My body feels strong. I can still hop up the stairs, lift our toddler granddaughter with relative ease, and get up from a squat without leverage.
I like the increased energy, and the elevated metabolism, too.
But one benefit I never considered until recently: improved balance.
When our muscles are strong, our bodies have an easier time maintaining balance. That means we can reduce the possibility of sprains, injured joints and back, or broken bones.
Three factors contribute to good balance: Stability, strength, and flexibility.
However, it’s not just our bodies that require those three factors. Our spirits need those same characteristics:
- Stability to handle disappointment and frustration,
- Strength to endure loss and pain,
- Flexibility to manage unpleasant surprises.
But how do we create balance in the abstract world of our spirits?
Just as there are many exercises to improve physical balance, there are numerous strategies that contribute to spiritual balance. For example:
- Stability can be enhanced by spending time with stable people. Get in the middle of a Christian support group, and allow them to hold you up with their prayer, concern, encouragement, and counsel. Look for members who demonstrate spiritual maturity and follow their example.
Stability also grows as we spend time in God’s Word. Just as daily physical exercise is important to the body, so is daily reading and contemplation of the Bible. God’s truths and promises, His encouragement and direction, all contribute to our steadfastness of faith.
- Strength can be developed through praise and gratitude. Look for the positive things in your life, and you’ll find yourself experiencing joy. Joy fosters strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Another strategy for building spiritual strength is to affirm God’s character. He is sovereign, all-knowing, and all-powerful. Our Heavenly Father is trustworthy, good and loving. We can stand firm with such a God at our side and in the strength of his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).
- Flexibility is needed when circumstances don’t meet our expectations. We have a choice when life takes a sudden turn down an unexpected pathway: 1) Fuss, fume, and balk or 2) Go with the flow and see where the pathway leads.
Kaye Arthur suggests: “Change the D of Disappointment to an H, and you have His Appointment.”* Such an attitude can relax the tension in our spirits, and prepare us to be flexible, to embrace the unknown.
Several years ago, I heard about an elderly resident of a senior citizen facility. She was being transferred from the assisted-living apartments to the full-care center.
As the nurse wheeled her through the corridors, the senior saint said, “I just know I’m going to love it.”
The nurse exclaimed, “But Mrs. __________, how do you know? You’ve never seen the full-care section.”
The woman’s profound answer: “I’ve already decided I’m going to love it.”
Such an example of:
Stability—maintaining her emotional equilibrium in spite of circumstances.
Strength—determining ahead of time to look for the positive.
Flexibility—going with the flow to see where the pathway might lead.
Surely, such an attitude reflects trust in a gracious and powerful God, knowledge and application of God’s Word, and a positive attitude of contentment (Philippians 4:11).
If the spiritual stability, strength, and flexibility demonstrated by that elderly woman were transferred into physical traits, she’d be able to balance on one toe. With her eyes closed.
I want to be like that woman in my spirit.
* * * * * * * * * *
What strategies help you maintain spiritual balance? Please add your experience and insight to the conversation below!
*His Imprint, My Expression, by Kay Arthur, p. 96.
Photo credit: www.sparkpeople.com.
From the Inside Out 
Love the Kay Arthur quote … and your wonderful reminder today. Been dealing with some sickness here, but have an APPOINTMENT with the Lord tomorrow in the woods. We are going to be walking (and talking, too)… You got me all motivated on all sorts of levels!!!
To be surrounded by God’s creation is to be surrounded by his glory. I pray you have been rejuvenated by your walk today–both physically and spiritually. The joy of the Lord IS your strength, Heidi. I “see” it all the time in your posts!
It was a wonderful walk 🙂 Thank you!
Great metaphors here, Nancy. I guess another thing to add is, ‘if you want to be a balanced person, hang around balanced people.’ I never realize how thirsty I am until I get back into our Home Group after a few weeks.
Great post.
You are so right. I remember a number of years ago when I had back surgery and missed church two weeks in a row. My first Sunday back, I cried. It felt SO incredibly wonderful to be back in God’s sanctuary and in the presence of his people! Thank you for stopping by, Jody. Always appreciate your comments.
Thank you Nancy for post. When we are out of balance we are Spiritually, Emotional and Physical drained.
You’re right, Laura. It’s not just a case of imbalance, but feeling drained of energy and motivation. Praise God for providing the way to keep balanced!
Great example. Reminded me that I have read it takes 300 muscles to keep us balanced. Can’t imagine how many spiritual muscles we have to keep in shape. And stability is a benedictine rule too, I think. This give new insight into that rule. Thanks for a great thought provoking post, Nancy
300 muscles just to maintain balance? Wow! It’s a wonder we stay upright at all! ‘Didn’t know “stability” was one of the benedictine rules. Now it intrigues me even more. Perhaps “stability” will be my focus-word for 2016! Thank you, Jean, for adding your valuable input.
Physically, I’m a klutz…I admit it. I’m constantly running into things or bumping my head on something. My mind is working faster than my body, creating this imbalance in my body. BUT I don’t have to be a spiritual klutz. thank you for pointing out ways to alleviate that condition, Nancy. I love the quote “Change the D of Disappointment to an H, and you have His Appointment.” I appreciate this reminder that I need a spiritual realignment when I become spiritually unstable, lack strength and motivation, and flexibility.
I, too, love that Kay Arthur quote. It offers such hope and even excitement for what God may very well be doing behind the scenes. It also provides that spiritual realignment you mention–a change of view to the possibilities! Thank you, Cheri. Always love to read your thoughtful comments.