N.E.W. S.M.A.R.T. Living Part 4
Today’s post is the finale of this four-part series on NEW SMART living. In Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, we introduced and discussed N-nutrition, E-exercise, W-water, S-Sunshine, and M-mindset. We’ll finish our conversation with the last three letters of the acronym SMART, A-air, R-rest, and T-trust in God in the context of the whole-body approach of body, mind, and spirit.
A-AIR
Body - The breath of God is what brought mankind to life. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 Since Adam, this breath of God has been passed down from generation to generation to you and me. Isn’t that amazing! Every time I purposefully take deep breaths of fresh air, I feel so grateful to God for His breath of life in me.
It’s important to do deep breathing on a regular basis. There are all kinds of deep breathing exercises on the internet that can be very helpful depending on your needs and goals. Basically, it’s inhale through the nose slowly, and exhale out of the mouth. Do this multiple times followed by a good cough. The cough will help clear the lungs of mucus. A walk in nature is a great way to strengthen your lungs and fill your body with that life giving oxygen.
Mind - “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 Incorporating scripture into our everyday thought processes will help “blow away” the cobwebs in our minds bringing clarity to our situations, and righteousness to our behaviors.
Spirit - “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22 Using your five senses, take a moment to imagine what that experience would have been like. Jesus breathed into Adam and he became a living person. Jesus breathed on the disciples and they came alive in their spirits. It’s amazing to realize that we are blessed today by both events! Praise God!
R-REST
Body - We all know how good it feels to get a good night’s rest or be rejuvenated after a nap. Rest is obviously so healing. For me, lying down horizontally helped me not only relax my body, but especially helped heal my adrenals during the early 2000’s when I was dealing with adrenal fatigue.
In addition, Habakkuk quieted his body when wanting to hear from God. “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.” Habakkuk 2:1 This is step one in Listening Prayer.
Mind - Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls [mind, will, and emotions].” Matthew 11:29 Learning how to rest my mind took some practice as I explored multiple techniques. However, the one technique that I found very helpful was writing on paper my anxious thoughts and begin listening to what God was saying to me about my situation. God did not always answer all my questions, but He did always give me rest for my soul.
Spirit - Every time I would start talking with God during my devotion time, I would ask Him what He wanted to say to me. He would say, “Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 “No problem,” I would think to myself and physically be still and listen. Once again He would say, “Be still.” This went on for awhile and then I realized He wanted me to be still in my mind. So, I explored ways to still my mind and learned what worked for me, as I talked about above.
However, He would continue to say to me, “Be still.” This “being still” in my body, and mind process went on for 2-3 years and I started getting really frustrated, until I realized He wanted me to be still in my spirit. Ugh! How do you do that? At the time, I didn’t really understand what my spirit actually was so I could make it still. Most people, let alone Christians like myself have never been taught what their spirit is or how to quiet it.
To be honest, I’m still learning about the spirit of a person and how it operates. But, what I have learned is that our spirit or belief system generates an energy that flows out to the world. It is a knowing in the gut that God is God in all things, and it brings a peace that passes understanding in our body, mind, and spirit, and to our sphere of influence. Learning how to let Holy Spirit flow through your body, mind, and spirit can change the atmosphere around you that brings His kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. And, it’s an awesome experience!
T - TRUST IN GOD
Body - “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 What more needs to be said? Do as if you are serving the Lord Jesus Christ. It may not always be easy, but He knows your weakness and will strengthen you and lift you up.
Mind - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 This has been a powerful verse for my family. When we cast out the spirit of fear and receive the spirit of faith, we have the power of Holy Spirit, the love of Father God, and the sound mind of Christ. And this action really works!
Spirit - “Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart [spirit, beliefs], with all your soul [mind, will, and emotions], with all your mind [conscious and unconscious], and with all your strength [body].’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12 29-31 These verses really sum up the whole acronym of NEW SMART Living. The bottom-line question is what are we focusing on, and where are we dwelling in body, mind, and spirit? Are we trusting ourselves, others, the government, the church, or God to help us in our time of need? God is always the best answer Proverbs 3:5-6.
God loves us so much and wants to favor us with the beauty of His kingdom. As you implement the NEW SMART lifestyle, may you experience “life and it more abundantly” John 10:10, so that you can be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name! Go forth bold, blessed, and brilliant. Thank you for sharing, subscribing, and commenting below.