Theme: An Act of Worship

Verse: Isaiah 40:31

How did you worship this week? In the pew on Sunday? At your weekly Bible Study? Morning prayers? All would be expected answers, and no one would challenge any of them.

What about when we ran/exercised? (Are you kidding me, Dave? When I run / exercise that is all I can focus upon, how could I possibly worship during that?). I’ve read a lot of people contend that worship and exercise are complementary activities. They both require focus and demonstrate an element of commitment. Exercise also is an act that takes care of God’s greatest creation – YOU!

After exercise, most people feel the endorphins have kicked and give you have what is often called a “runner’s high”. For me, after a worship experience, I have the same feeling. Coincidence? Probably not.

If you are old enough, you may remember the movie, Chariots of Fire. It is the true story of Eric Liddell, also known as the Flying Scotsman and a 1924 British Olympian. In the movie, the writer penned a phrase that is probably the iconic phrase of the movie. Although a fictious quote, it likely was how Liddell felt about the relationship between his running and worship.

“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

“Feel His Pleasure”! I often feel that way when I exercise in the morning. And for those keeping score, that’s where any comparison between Eric Liddell and me ends.

Give it a shot. This week try using your exercise time as an extra time of worship. See if by doing so, you don’t feel an extra boost in how you feel afterwards!

Have a great week!

Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Blac