Every day we have to get up and run the Christian life. How do we get ready for this great workout? People know that they should be in the word and pray every day, but few seem to see a need in doing this first thing in the morning. Every time we go out for a run, we know we need to prioritize our warm up. It’s what gets our muscles ready for the work ahead so we are at a lesser risk of injury. What makes us think that running the Christian life is any different? The way you start your day carries over into the following hours, just as the way you start your run greatly determines how well your workout goes.
Here are 3 Tips on How to Start Your Run out Right
1. Don’t overcomplicate it.
In the age we live in, we seem to be tempted to think there is a perfect formula for everything. But this is not the way God works.
We also need to remember that God is a God of simplicity. He is always telling us to rest and let Him work. Therefore we need to remember that even though we feel like it should be this elaborate warm up or wonderful morning routine that every one admires you for, this is not the case.
The more simple and effective you can make your warm up, the better off you’ll be.
2. Keep it unique to your needs, specific to the season you’re in, according to what works for you.
Everybody’s body is different. Everybody’s life is different. Everybody’s needs are different. Everybody is in a different season of life. You need to find out what works for you and the only way to do that is to experiment.
Looking at the way other people do things is a great idea, but remember that there is no perfect warm up. What works for them may not work for you. Asking professionals or people you admire for their perfect warm up routine or bible time can give you ideas but should not be what you use as your ideal blueprint.
Be creative and have fun!
3. Realize why it’s important to start out right
Before you’ll ever prioritize your warm up or starting your day with God, you’ll have to realize WHY it’s important. This will then give you the needed motivation and encouragement to create an effective warm up for your individual needs – one that preps your body, spirit, and mind for the tasks ahead. This reason must be your own. You cannot use someone else’s reason. Here are a few of my reasons.
- Proverbs 3:9-10 says to honor the Lord with our firstfruits. Many times throughout scripture He makes it a point to share that He likes the first of things.
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10
- I’ve noticed that whatever I think about first thing in the morning is what seems to consume my mind throughout the rest of the day. It sets the tone in which I continue living the next 24 hrs.
- For times sake, I never know how my day will play out, so I always make it a point to have my time with God straight away in the morning, that way I know it gets done.
O God, thou are my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see they power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Psalms 63:1-2
Listen to episode #29 for todays episode on the Be Still and Run by Alli Anne podcast using your favorite platform or by using the link below to search for it.
Have a great week! Happy Running!
Up Next: Starting our Day Out on the Right Foot Can Change Everything
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