Pulse
A really fun part of my week so far has been this meeting I had with a personal trainer at my gym. I’ve mentioned here before that I am stepping up my training at the moment, as exercise has always been something I’ve loved and I’m keen to build my fitness back to a good level. So anyway, the idea was just to do a few fitness type tests, assess where I’m at, and where I’d like to go fitness-wise, that kind of thing. One of the things he asked me to do was to keep a record of my resting heart rate over a period of a few days. This is best worked out first thing in the morning apparently, and so each morning when I wake now, the first thing I do is clutch hold of my wrist for my pulse, stare across at the little alarm clock, and figure out the beats per minute.
This might be a bit of a leap, but do you know what it’s got me thinking of? It’s got me thinking of God, and of the hundred ways we are dependent on Him each day without even necessarily realising it.
It’s this amazing thing. I’m holding my wrist and feeling my heart pump blood through my body, bringing oxygen and nourishment and cleansing to every part, sustaining me. And it does this every minute, every hour. And it does it with no effort on my part. Even when I’m asleep.
I remember from studying physiology that this is a function of the autonomic nervous system, and that our bodies are designed to sustain themselves in this kind of way, but for me, it’s also a reminder of my inherent physical vulnerability, my ultimate inability to sustain myself. King David said, “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me” Psalm 3:5, and that’s what I have been thinking of. That ultimately, in waking and in sleeping, it’s Him that is sustaining me. It reminds me of my complete dependence on Him, the One who not only “formed my inward parts” Psalm 139:13 but sustains me still, in ways I don’t generally realise.
“For in Him we live and move and have our being” Acts 17:28.
It’s an incredible thought Birgit. I think I read somewhere once that science really doesn’t know exactly what it is that keeps the heart beating, what keeps that rhythm going… it’s God. His very breath and Spirit gives us life. And like you said, we are totally reliant on Him for our very breath. And we are here on this earth beause He chose for us to be here, because He loved us. Wow. Every breath is a breath of grace, and every heart beat a testimony of His love and desire for us.
That is not a leap at all. It is so true that God has created marvelous systems.
Sounds like fun to have a trainer do an evaluation like that.
Your comments here are beautiful Rain, just the idea that we are purposed by Him, and He sustains us because of His love and desire for us. It makes me so thankful. Lots of love to you.
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Thanks @ngie :), yeah it really was great having the session! I learnt lots, and it was so fun. I would love to hear how your regime with your running is going :)
Makes me wonder how people do not believe there is a creative force (aka God)behind all things. He set all things in motion by His word and breath, and His creative word started our hearts beating as early as 5 weeks in our mothers’ wombs! awesome! PS I’m still trying to get hubby down the exercise path, keep praying… Perhaps a personal trainer may do it? But knowing him, he’ll probably just end up ministering to the personal trainer, get them saved and/or delivered and end up chatting with them through the sessions over a tea and malt loaf about life! Ha,ha! I have a battle on my hands, girl!!!But i intend to win!! xxx
I loved this post B. It reminded me that He is my sustainer. And I always appreciate how you tie in daily things into the Word of God. Hope all is well with you. Love you! XO
You know what God loves about you?? He loves how you see Him in every little thing and that He is always on your mind and that you share Him with those He loves.
Ha, ha Laura, I can just see Ray ministering when he’s supposed to be exercising :) It’s so good you’re encouraging him health-wise though :) I loved what you said here about when our hearts begin to beat in the womb, God’s design of us is truly awesome. Bless you xo
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Hi G, so lovely to see you, I have been meaning to reply for a couple of days now but have been so busy. Your encouragement here is lovely and I can’t wait to hear how you are, love you too friend xo
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Hope, your comment here is so lovely, thank you so much for your amazing encouragement, it’s such a blessing. Hope you are well, lots of love to you.