September 3

Job 22:1-24:12
Psalm 105:16-27
Proverbs 21:25-26
1 Corinthians 9:13-10:5

Like a Fine-Tuned Violin
Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.
—1 Corinthians 9:24

What and how much we eat can greatly affect the way we feel. If the nerves are starved on account of a lack of vitamins, they will kick back in physical depression—exactly the same way that a starved soul or spirit will kick back in psychological depression. So discipline yourself to eat correctly and nutritionally.

Next, discipline yourself to take appropriate physical exercise. God designed our bodies for movement, and if they don’t move, they get sluggish. Then what happens? A sluggish body contributes to a sluggish spirit.

Time and time again, when counseling people who are suffering with depression, I have recommended (along with other suggestions) that they take up physical exercise. One should not, of course, embark upon vigorous exercise, like playing racqetball or jogging, without having a medical check-up. But I have been surprised at how even a short, brisk walk can do wonders for the soul.

I feel a word of caution may be needed here, because many people in our culture are fast becoming exercise “freaks.” It is possible to regulate the body too much! You should get enough exercise to remain fit, but also keep in mind that too much attention to exercise or sports may drain higher interests. Everything must be kept in balance: just enough food to keep you fit and not enough to make you fat; just enough sleep to keep you fresh and a little less than that which would make you lazy. We must keep our bodies like a fine-tuned violin, and then the music of God will come out from every fiber of our being.

Prayer
O God of my mind and my body, I come to You to have both of these brought under the control of Your redemption and Your guidance. May I pass on the health of my mind to my body and the health of my body to my mind. Amen.

Further Study
1Kings 19:8; Php 3:1-16; Gal 2:2; Heb 12:1
What picture did Paul use in illustrating truth?
How much do you exercise?

Every Day with Jesus Daily Bible – September 03