Some of you may know of the long-running PBS program with the same title as this post. Begun in 1987, it continues to provide seniors and those with physical limitations a way to exercise while seated in a chair.
Research has proven that participants experience better heart and vascular health, core and back strength, joint health, flexibility, posture, and balance. They also benefit from boosted energy, thinking skills, memory, and overall mental health [1].
Surprising, isn’t it, the number of benefits from chair exercises?
There’s another list of benefits we can enjoy–if we choose to sit in God’s presence.
A psalmist offers this lovely invitation:
Can you picture yourself seated at God’s feet, much as Mary sat at Jesus’ feet in Bethany [2]?
Imagine the love in his eyes as he gazes at each of us, the tenderness in his voice as he speaks, the gentle pressure of his hand on our shoulders as he expresses his affection.
And as we sit, he’d undoubtedly encourage us to participate in exercises for our spirits that will make us fit—trained and equipped to thrive [3].
What might such exercises include? These four offer a good place to start:
Bible Study and Meditation to Foster Strength
Soul strength doesn’t develop overnight any more than physical strength. Time spent in God’s Word is essential.
[Scripture] will not yield its astonishing riches except through diligence and sustained reflection [4].
Timothy Keller
But given our busy schedules, how do we pause long enough for sustained reflection? It may mean going to bed earlier and getting up earlier, reducing screen-time or limiting time spent reading for pleasure, but the results are supremely worth the small sacrifice.
We soon experience the soul strength to be gained from sitting with God and contemplating his Word–soul strength that equips us to better handle the everyday strains of life.
Worship (with Gratitude and Praise) for Improved Spiritual Health
Developing our gratitude-muscles fortifies our faith, refreshes our spirits, and adds vitality to life as we become attuned to God’s blessings all around us.
Praising God for who he is and what he’s done lifts our spirits and improves our mood. We soon find this exercise fostering encouragement, peace, and even pleasure within our hearts as we focus on him. (Praise music can be especially uplifting.)
Scripture Memorization to Enhance Endurance
The Bible creates endurance. Its promises lift the heart and its panoramic insights strengthen the will [5].
Timothy Keller
That endurance-factor increases when we commit meaningful passages to memory.
We can begin with just a phrase or single statement such as: “With God all things are possible” [6].
Speak it aloud in the shower or as you pull out of the driveway for work. While in the carpool line or running errands, quiet the noise around you with the sound of your voice saying His Word [7].
Sara Hagerty
Engaging the Imagination to Increase Heart Health
For example, imagine God as:
- Your all-powerful King seated on his glorious throne, yet ready and willing to help you at any moment
- Your constant Companion, accompanying you throughout the day
- Your loving Shepherd, caring for your every need
- Your heavenly Father, holding your right hand, protecting and guiding you [8]
Such visualizations will surely help us keep our balance as the day unfolds—even with its stresses, interruptions, and difficulties.
* * * * * * * * * *
You don’t need me to tell you: if a person chooses not to exercise, he can’t expect to be physically fit.
The same is true in the spiritual realm. If we forego such exercises as suggested above, we can’t expect to be spiritually fit.
On the other hand, great benefits await those who do choose to sit in God’s presence.
They will become strong.
And that’s a promise:
What exercise helps you sit and be fit in the spiritual realm? Please share in the comment section below!
[1] https://sunshinecentres.com/7-benefits-of-daily-seated-exercise/
[2] Luke 10:38-42
[3] Psalm 92:12-15 HCSB
[4] Timothy Keller and Cathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus, 320.
[5] Keller, The Songs of Jesus, 310.
[6] Matthew 19:26b
[7] Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 149.
[8] Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 46:1-3; Psalm 145:18; Isaiah 40:11, 41:13.
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Two things I do every day. Fifteen minutes of stretching exercises including squats. Fifteen to thirty minutes reading bible-based devotional and then praying to/with my Father.
Well done, Robert!
Thanks for this, Nancy. I have a very visual imagination, and I love to picture Jesus sitting on the side of my bed when I can’t sleep or walking with me when I take my prayer walk, even holding me when I cry. I know visualization makes some people uncomfortable, because it’s used in some New Age practices. But God created our imaginations, and when yielded to Him, they can help us “see the unseen.”
Yes, I’ve heard the same concern about activating our imagination in matters of faith, but agree with your rationale wholeheartedly. Francis Schaeffer wrote: “The Christian is one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars.” (We’re in good company, Annie!)
Francis Schaeffer – yes! And C. S. Lewis and Tolkien, too! 🙂
Just getting alone with God, reading his word, all of what you listed is so true. Life is so much bigger than us and God is so much bigger than life…being close to the Lord really matters.
Yes, indeed, Gary! “Intimacy with God is an island of sanity in a sea of confusion” (Joni Eareckson Tada)!
I read two chapters of the Bible a day. If for some reason I don’t, the next day I read three or four depending on how many I failed to read the day before. Pleasure reading takes a back seat and I have to skip it from time to time. I love how you compared chair exercising with soul exercising. Thanks, Nancy!
Reading the Bible through at a good pace is so helpful for understanding how the stories fit together, even how the Old and New Testaments impact each other, and more. I admire your discipline, Nancy, to make up for interruptions when you have to!
Sometimes disciplines can be likened to compulsions. But this is a good one! Thank you, Nancy.
Indeed, reading through the Bible IS a good discipline!
I have my quiet time early in the morning with devotions, Bible study, and prayer time. Physically, I walk. Thank you, Nancy’
I prefer early morning, too, Pam. But in different chapters of my life, quiet time has occurred at other times. For example, when the children were small, I chose their nap time as my Bible study and prayer time. No doubt your gardening offers good physical exercise, Pam, as well as walking!
I first must thank the Lord that I am still able to do my daily walking, four times around the inside of our mall. But I think it is terrific that those who are not as blessed as me can participate in these sitting exercises you described. I read at least two devotionals every day which help me immensely as I deal with stress. (Stress has always been an issue with me and the Lord speaks to me directly, either helping me or showing me ways to help others.) I also listen to a Christian radio station throughout the day which feeds my soul. I must admit to not memorizing scripture. I started a couple of years ago with a very long verse and got discouraged. However, I feel very fortunate to have grown up in a wonderful Grace Brethren Church where we had Bible drills and quizzes in our youth group meetings. This background has provided me with many verses in the Bible that I can recall throughout the day. I may not know where they are found exactly but they are deep within my spirit and refresh my soul. And in addition I am currently reading through Romans verse by verse, alongside a commentary.
How wonderful to be able to listen to a Christian radio station throughout the day, Cheri, filling your home with uplifting words and music. / With you I was fortunate to have grown up in a church where Bible drills and quizzes helped develop my familiarity with scripture. I’m so thankful for that training! / Romans is a book rich in doctrine, theology, encouragement, and teaching. No doubt you’re absorbing wonderful truths afresh!
I love to feel God’s presence in my life when I pause and give Him thanks and praise in every possible moment. And I love reading blogs like yours, Nancy, that inspire me to walk closely with Him and His Word to keep my spiritual endurance alive and lively.
Blessings for these thoughts today!
Your posts inspire me too, Martha! It’s one of the things I love about blogging. Those of us who write faith-based posts DO inspire one another. With you, I’m so thankful for the power of gratitude and praise in my life that help keep my spirit uplifted. There’s much joy to be gained by exercising these two habits alone!
We are so very blessed! Thank you for this uplifting post. Our joy is full as we meditate upon the Word of God. Thank you for your insights…so many gems in this post to ponder!
Thank you, Linda. With you I praise God for the joy that wells up in our spirits as we spend time in God’s Word. / So glad you found uplift and gems to ponder here; so thankful for God’s inspiration behind this post!
I’ve been attentive to my physical health for years, which seems like a priority out of whack when I compare the time and attention I give to my spiritual health. I consider your four recommendations “core exercises” for the spirit.
On Bible study: most of my leisure reading is done on my e-reader, and I also like how you can “purchase” several versions of the Bible for free as e-books (sort of a travel Bible). But reading the real book and turning its pages is more spiritual for me. So even if one day my hardcover library is reduced to a single book, you know which one will remain 🙂
I’m old school when it comes to ALL reading, Dave. Still love the look, feel, and page-turning of real books! On the other hand, the internet is a wonderful tool for research. / With you, if I could only have one book, it would be the Bible. (Of course, we’d actually get 66 books, wouldn’t we!)
Sitting down to lunch and joining the many across the world who pray for peace at this hour.
Yes indeed, Laurie. With you I pray the plans of the ungodly will not succeed, that the innocent and oppressed would be lifted up. May God use our prayers to do good things in the world!
This makes me think of the old hymn, “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus.” How packed full of truth and encouragement this blog is, Nancy! I need to sit for awhile and absorb it.
Thank you, Patty. I had forgotten that hymn! “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus, where can mortals be more blessed?” (from the 2nd verse). I know you agree. Thank you for reminding me. (I just listened to a Gaither rendition on Youtube–beautiful and uplifting!)
I do love the old hymns. They speak deep truths. And I love your blog. ♥️
Oh, thank you Patty. I love your blog too, so that works out nicely!! 😁
♥️♥️
Oh yes, Nancy. Sitting at Christ’s feet…now that’s the best way to get fit, in every way!!
Yes indeed! I’m so thankful for God’s patience to teach me that “in his presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11)!
This was such a great blog! Thank you!!
Thank you, Katie. I’m so glad these thoughts ministered to you.
Nancy, thanks for this beautiful weaving … exercising body, stretching spiritually, cultivating gratitude … you’ve invited us to so much truth. Bless you.
I’m delighted you found beautiful weaving here, Linda. Praise God! And thank you for your encouragement.
I make it a priority to continually converse/pray throughout the day…this isn’t something I was always great about but now that I’ve intentionally been doing this (not out of habit but desire) I can feel His closeness with me every moment. I feel more spiritually fit than I ever have because of this..now my physically fit area of life, well that’s a different story…I could use some training!!😅
Good for you, Alicia, learning to continually converse with God throughout the day. You’re walking in the light of his presence, experiencing his glory and strength (Psalm 89:15-17a). It’s a delightful way to live!
Sit and be fit – never put that with sitting at the feet of Jesus before and really love that image with this expression. Wow you made my day!
Aw, thank you, Jean. So glad you found the image meaningful!
An awesome post packed with truth!
Thank you, Gail, for your encouragement. As always, I must praise God for his inspiration!
Spending daily early morning time with the Word begins my day. I choose on of several devotional resources that open up another opportunity to study Scripture. In turn, my Christian writing journey connects me further. Nancy, thanks for sharing meaningful ways to exercise and strengthen our spiritual muscles.
Kudos to you, Richard, for immersing yourself in the Bible, devotional reading, and reading-for-writing that fills your spirit with truth!