“She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong.”
Proverbs 31:17 AMP
The physical health of the Proverbs woman is equally important as her mental and physical strength. The Proverbs woman is a keeper of her inward home fueling the body with the best nutrition, exercise and rest to remain effective for her household.
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.”
Colossians 1:15-16 NLT
If everything was created for and by God, the way our bodies are cared for should mimic the worship we have for him. What we consume, physically eating or mentally absorbing, either defends or questions our faith in Jesus Christ.
We therefore are not influenced by a culture of self-indulgence, gluttony and lack of discipline but embrace discernment in what enters the body and the exercise it participants in. The Proverbs woman discerns periods of feasting and fasting ensuring her body is well equipped for her earthly duties and spiritual walk.
“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ””
Matthew 4:4 NKJV
When the mind is constantly renewed in the Word, the easier it is to make self-disciplined nutrition, exercise and rest decisions. Fitness routines and diets should never be implemented independent of the Word of God. Apart from the word, they are lifeless, vanity centered and eternally unsustainable as the Word provides the “why” to lifestyle changes.
As excellent women the temple should outwardly reflect our inward relationship and worship to Christ.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."
1 Corinthians 9:23-24 NKJV
Fellowship Question
How do you honor God with nutrition choices, physical exercise and rest?
Scripture: Proverbs 31:17
Bible Reading: Proverbs 13
Devotion: Physical Power
Chrystal
