Weekly Inspiration (6/13/24)

“Spiritual Therapy”

The hand is an extension of the brain. You want to pick up the glass, and the nerve impulse travels faster than thought, and your hand just does it. It's how the brain gets things done, and why we “talk with our hands.” But sometimes, due to injury or disease, the nerve impulse doesn't get through, or the tendons are severed, or the muscles have atrophied. The brain thinks it, but the hand can't do it.

So sometimes we need physical therapy: small, repetitive motions that accomplish nothing in themselves but allow the body to re-establish a neural pathway, or stretch ligaments, or strengthen muscles.

You are a hand of God, an extension of God's will. What God desires travels by the Holy Spirit faster than thought and you do it. But it doesn't always work as intended. The nerve impulse doesn't get through, or the tendons are severed, or the muscles are weak. As Paul says, “I know the good, but I can't seem to do it.” So we need physical therapy for the soul, which is prayer: small, repetitive movements that don't accomplish anything on their own but allow for our renewal as the Body of Christ. Rest. Trust. Listen. Give thanks. Forgive. Receive forgiveness. Extend compassion.

We can't hurry the process. We accept our weakness, and begin where we are. We practice. We celebrate tiny transformations. Over time, we more and more fully discern and do the will of God.

Five reps, three sets, daily. Keep at it.

Steve Garnaas-Holmes