Exercise Your Spirit: Strengthening Your Inner Man

 Proverbs 18:14 (KJV) reminds us:

"The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?"

Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, exercising your spirit is essential for enduring life's challenges. A strong spirit provides the resilience to overcome adversity, while a neglected or wounded spirit leaves us vulnerable. Let’s explore how to exercise your spirit and cultivate inner strength through biblical practices.

Why You Need to Exercise Your Spirit

  1. Inner Strength Sustains Outer Trials
    Your spirit, when strengthened, becomes a source of endurance and hope during sickness, hardship, or emotional struggles. Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who "wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."

  2. A Wounded Spirit is Hard to Bear
    Neglecting your spiritual health can result in a "wounded spirit" weighed down by despair or sin. This can weaken your ability to face challenges. Proverbs 18:14 underscores the importance of regularly nurturing your spirit for sustained strength.

How to Exercise Your Spirit

1. Praying in the Spirit (Speaking in Tongues)

Praying in tongues is a powerful, biblical way to build your spirit. In 1 Corinthians 14:4, Paul explains, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself." When we pray in tongues, our spirit communicates directly with God, bypassing our human understanding and allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen and refresh us.

As you pray in tongues:

  • Your spirit is built up, much like lifting weights strengthens your body.
  • You align with God’s perfect will, even when you don’t know what to pray. (See Romans 8:26.)

2. Daily Spiritual Nourishment

Spending time in God’s Word feeds and strengthens your spirit. Psalm 1:2-3 describes those who meditate on God’s law as trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in every season. Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture ensures your spirit is continually nourished.

3. Prayer and Worship

Prayer draws you closer to God and deepens your reliance on Him. Worship, in particular, aligns your heart with His and renews your strength. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to pray with thanksgiving, which brings peace to guard our hearts and minds.

4. Fellowship and Accountability

Surrounding yourself with godly believers sharpens and encourages your faith. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Fellowship provides support and strength when your spirit feels weak.

5. Guarding Against Negativity

Feed your spirit with things that are true, noble, and praiseworthy. Neglecting this opens the door to doubt and fear. Philippians 4:8 teaches us to focus on what builds us up, ensuring that our spirit stays resilient.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Strengthening You

Remember, the Holy Spirit is your Helper and Comforter. When you lean on Him, He strengthens your inner man. Ephesians 3:16 says, "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." Through prayer, worship, and speaking in tongues, the Spirit empowers you to rise above every trial.

Closing Encouragement

Exercising your spirit is an ongoing process. Just as physical fitness requires consistency, spiritual growth depends on daily discipline, prayer, and reliance on God. Praying in tongues, feeding on God’s Word, and staying connected to the Holy Spirit will ensure your spirit remains strong, no matter what challenges come your way.

Closing Prayer

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and renews us. Teach us to exercise our spirits daily through Your Word, prayer, and especially praying in tongues. Heal any wounds in our spirits, and let us experience the peace and joy that comes from a vibrant relationship with You. As Your Word promises in Isaiah 41:10, we will not fear, for You are with us, strengthening us and upholding us.
In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five Ways to Hear God Speak to You

Hearing from God is a transformative experience that deepens one's faith and spiritual understanding. Here are five key practices supported by Scripture that can help you tune in to God's voice: 1. Remain Pure "Purity of heart leads to a clearer vision of God," as Jesus states in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." To remain pure, one must strive to live a life free of sin and full of grace. Other verses that emphasize purity include: Psalm 51:10 : "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." 1 John 3:3 : "All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." These verses remind us that purity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing, but actively seeking renewal through God's grace. 2. Have a Relationship with God Through Prayer Building a relationship with God is akin to nurturing a friendship; it requires communication and intimacy. Matthew 6:6 advises, ...
Read more

The Biblical Definition of an Ungodly Man

The Book of Jude offers one of the most vivid descriptions in Scripture of ungodly men and their destructive influence within the church. Jude’s letter warns believers to recognize and stand firm against such individuals while trusting in God’s judgment upon them. Let us explore what the Bible reveals about ungodly men, with a specific focus on Jude’s teachings. Who Are Ungodly Men? Jude describes ungodly men as those who: Lack reverence for God. Reject His authority. Follow sinful passions. Lead others astray through deception. These individuals infiltrate the church to corrupt the faithful, turning grace into a license for sin, and leading lives marked by rebellion and self-centeredness. Jude warns against their behaviors, using both historical examples and vivid metaphors to emphasize their danger and inevitable judgment. Characteristics of Ungodly Men in Jude 1. They Secretly Infiltrate the Church (Jude 1:4): “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ord...
Read more

Co-Laboring with the Creator

As believers, we are called into a deep and profound relationship with God, one that goes beyond merely believing in Him or following His commandments. This relationship is a partnership—a divine collaboration between humanity and our Creator. God doesn’t just work on us; He works through us. We are invited to co-labor with Him, bringing His purposes to life on earth. Understanding What It Means to Partner with God At the core of partnering with God is the idea that we are not passive recipients of His grace but active participants in His mission. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, the apostle Paul writes, "For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building." Here, Paul emphasizes that we are co-laborers with God, working in His service to fulfill His purposes. This partnership is not one of equals. We rely entirely on God's wisdom, strength, and guidance. Our role is to be obedient, humble, and willing vessels for His work. In John 15:5, Jesus say...
Read more