Proverbs 31:17 says, “She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
We often think of strength in physical terms, but there is so much more to strength than muscle mass and physically being strong. We can gain mental and spiritual strength too.
Physical Strength
Strength normally does not come in neat pretty packages. It takes work, determination, perseverance, and the will to overcome.
Physical strength comes through exercise and working to build muscle. Those workouts are not always pretty, but the muscle and endurance built can be a thing of beauty.
Mental and Spiritual Strength
The same is true for mental and spiritual strength. It often is built through tears, hard moments, and overcoming messy situations and circumstances. We work those muscles through perseverance and determination to overcome. The result is a thing of beauty…mental and spiritual toughness.
Praising God the He Equips
Praise God that we do not have to build that strength alone. He is with us, enabling us, equipping us, and giving us the promises that help us to persevere. Today we can praise Him for equipping us with strength and for His design in all aspects of our minds and bodies. He never leaves us to build strength alone.
Suggested Songs
If you are doing the workout that I created to go with this devotion, here are a few songs that I have on my playlist-
- See a Victory- Instrumental- Derrick Battle
- Build My Life- Live- Passion, Brett Younker
- Champion- Instrumental – Worship Portal
- By the Grace of God- Bethel Music, Brian Johnson
Suggested Stretches and Exercises
The exercises for this workout and worship session are geared toward getting our bodies moving while working on building core strength. Most stretches are best if held for at least 30 seconds, and you can aim for 8-15 reps per exercise depending on your fitness level.
- Start warming up by slowly brining your chin to your chest and then looking upward. Repeat several times. Then look side to side as you warm up your neck and release tension.
- Shoulder and wrist stretches (Simple Shoulder and Wrist Stretches Video)
- Seated Cat and Cow
- 1/2 straddle on both right and left sides
- Hip Drives and then transition to a standing position
- Wide Leg Shoulder Presses
- Jumping Jacks (regular or low impact)
- Knee Lifts
- Butt Kicks
- Calf Raises
- Hip Hinge
- Tabletop Position
- Bird Dog (can incorporate crunches by bringing your elbow to your knee)
- Dead Bug
- Glute Bridges
- Half Wipers
- Knees to Chest
- Reclining Butterfly
My prayer is that you feel uplifted and encouraged through this devotion and simple exercise and stretching routine. I would love to hear from you, and if you enjoy these posts, please share with others who might benefit from the encouragement.
2 Comments
Your way with words coupled with your spirit of determination keep me encouraged to do the next right thing. Thank you.
thank you for these kind words:)