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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From the Inside Out 