Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts]. And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones. Prov 3: 5-8 (AMP)
Our bones benefit much from a yoga practice. When we engage our muscles, the contraction pulls on the bone causing it to move. Bearing weight on the bone triggers the body to lay down new bones cells, which makes them stronger. Furthermore, moving in and out of poses encourages a healthy supply of blood to the bones. From a physical perspective, these are just a few of the benefits of a regular yoga practice. But there’s so much more to gleam about our bodies if we allow the wisdom of Soloman to lead us in our intention today.
Think for a minute about your marrow. Your bone marrow is literally the inmost part of your physical body. It resides deep inside your bones and ultimately gives health to your body. It’s where stem cells are located, red blood cells are made, and white blood cells are stored, giving the body the ability to repair and replenish itself. Thus the health of your immune and circulatory systems are affected at a deep cellular level – your innermost parts.
Throughout the bible, long before the role of marrow was made known through science, there are many references to both the withering away and the dryness of our bones that relates to a sadness or a grief in the body – either physically or spiritually. Not surprising then to learn that marrow is the nourisher and strengthener of the bones. It is said to moisten the bones. And in other places in the Word, we are encouraged with the news that joy and gladness bring life to our bones. We are taught to set our thoughts on goodness. Again, not surprising that science has confirmed that the mind has the power to affect the physical body in positive ways; whereas negative thought patterns, behaviors and pessimism can literally cause dysfunction in our bodies.
God’s Word has the power to cut through us, to affect us at the inner most part of our being, to change us at our core. He is our Creator, the designer of our flesh and bones. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb 4:12)
So unroll your mat this week and move in awe of your body. However it shows up, whatever it can or cannot do, it’s enough. Allow God’s Word to sink in and give nourishment to your inner most parts. It is living and active, giving true refreshment to your body, mind, soul and spirit.
Here are some verses to help you meditate on the wonder of body.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. (Matt 10:30)
O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. (Psalm 139:1-4)
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)