Protein for the Soul- Psalm 119 Daleth

So, lately, I have been on this workout regiment. I am trying to bulk up a little bit and stay fit for my Bride. I'm realizing that hittin' the gym 5 days a week is only part of the solution. Mainly, diet is the hardest thing to stay committed to. I'm no expert, but from what I have researched and actually applied to my life, digesting tons of protein is essential to getting fit. After every workout, I methodically drop a couple of scoops of protein into a glass of water so that my body can fully recover and soak up the nutrients from the day's gym visit. Why is it so important?

Protein is essential to perform simple bodily functions. It helps maintain and replace the tissues in your body. My muscles are made up of protein, so in order to get lean, hard muscle I have to replinish my body with tons of protein each day!

As I read the 4th installment last night of Psalm 119 I thought about Protein. This whole process of being in the word really does parallel to working out in the gym and maximizing results by digesting the healthy nutrients. At the gym I am training my body, going hard after each rep, sweating, and pumping all I can until I know I have given my muscles the attention they needed for that day. Breathing heavy, sweat dripping from head to toe, I know that there is just one thing left for me to do- Protein so that I can maintain, replace, and replinish.

In Psalm 119 Daleth it reminds me to hold fast to His statutes, run in the path of His commands, and be strenthened by His Word, even though my soul may be weary. Sometimes, when you are running strong for the cause of Christ something just brings you down like a swift smack in the head by a 2x4. Or, in Harry Potter's case a quick "Expelliarmus" can knock you down just as fast (quick shout out to you HP fans out there...on the third book, dont tell me what happens). Doesn't that just stink. Here's a truth: Even though we are pursuing God, it doesn't mean life gets easier. The same stinky people you work with, are still working. The same temptations are still lurking. The same self confidence issues still press down on you. And before you know it- SMACK! EXPELLIARMUS! You are down. But are you out?

That's where the Protein comes in. Remember its functions: maintain, replace and replinish. This journey in Psalm 119 has shown me that if I follow thru with this commitment to maintain a steady focus on Him, my soul at some point may indeed become weary, Nevertheless I am STRENGHTENED because of His Word.

Sometimes you feel worn out. A long day at the gym can do that to ya. So can a sin that you're struggling with or a fellow christian that is acting as a stumbling block rather than an encouragement. But the second characteristic of Protein is replace. God's desire is to create in each of us a renewed heart, create anew and banish the old. Remember the cross, for those of you struggling at this stage of your Christian 'workout', so to speak. The cross is where all things are created anew and where each of us have victory over our strongholds, whether its a friend sucking the goodness out of you, a girlfriend/boyfriend tempting you, a sin haunting you or a self-centeredness buried within, know that God is a Creator. He wants to replace that junk with an awesome gift of life to the fullest!

Finally, REPLINISH. After a hardcore workout I just crave that Protein shake now that I am in this routine. Why? Because I know that without it, I have just wasted a perfectly great workout and with it, I am able to enjoy the rest of the day with nourishment. God wants to replinish us as well. After a hard day at the office, or whatever it is, God wants your attention. He wants you to RUN hard after His commands and even though you tired, He wants to shower you with His love. How sweet is that?

So whenever I start getting weary, I'll think about Protein. God's Word is the most powerful form of protein anyone can get! After a long day, all I am going to crave is nourishment from my Father!

Expelliarmus Sin, (I know, that was kinda lame, but you get the picture)

Daniel