For several weeks I have been going to physical therapy to increase mobility in my neck and build up the muscles in my left arm and shoulder that were injured in an accident last October.  About three weeks into the process, my therapist gave me a green stretchy band along with printed exercise instructions.  He told me as I left the office that I would need to put the end of the band in the door and close it tight to hold it in place so that I could then pull on the band to exercise my left arm.

As foolish as it sounds, I could not figure out how to get that little limp band to stay in the door opening as I closed it.  I tried a couple of times, and when I smashed my thumb—severely—I gave up on exercising altogether.

The next day, when I asked my therapist to demonstrate how to get the limp green band to stay fastened in the door, he showed me—simply put it in the back of the door and then close it!  We had a good laugh—as my fingernail continued to turn dark!

On reflection, I have decided that spiritual therapy is much like physical therapy.  Regardless of our hurt, habit, or hang-up, there are basically seven steps to renewed spiritual strength and healing:

First, we need an expert to teach us what to do to build those weak muscles—a physical therapist for physical problems but a “spiritual therapist” for spiritual problems.   Our “spiritual therapist” is the Holy Spirit.

“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”  (Psalm 32:8 NLT)

Second, we need an instruction manual.  My physical therapist gave me a written guide to take home and practice my exercises.  The Lord has given us an instruction manual as well—the Bible—that we need to study and follow. “The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.” (Psalm 119:130 NLT)

Third, we need discipline but also encouragement.  My physical therapist designed an exercise plan just for me.   Then he observed me to make sure I did the exercises correctly.  If not, he gently corrected me and showed me what I was doing wrong.  When I did them correctly, he gave me encouragement.

To build our “spiritual muscles,” we must ask the Holy Spirit to share his plan for us.  Then we must allow Him to discipline and encourage us.  His “still small voice” whispers when we need correction and encourages when we are on track.

“Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!”  (Isaiah 38:16 NLT)

Fourth, in both physical and spiritual therapy we need focus and commitment to follow through with the plan, even when it hurts.   For physical therapy to be effective, one must be committed to scheduled appointments and rigorous exercise.

“Spiritual therapy” also requires commitment.    Spending time in communication with the Holy by reading the Word, praying, fellow-shipping with other believers, and public and private worship are essentials to growing “spiritual muscles.”

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)

Fifth, it is helpful to have positive role models when we are in therapy.  My physical therapist, for example, has pictures all around the clinic of smiling people who have followed his instructions and recovered.  There is also a book in the waiting room where people have testified to the value of their therapy experiences.

With respect to spiritual therapy, our greatest role model is Jesus Christ himself.  Also, the Scriptures are filled with examples of people who followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit and grew into spiritual giants with huge “spiritual muscles.”

“How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.  By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.” (Hebrews 11:32-34 NLT)

Sixth, it takes time and patience for therapy—both physical and spiritual–to be effective.   It often takes months for the physical body to heal from trauma.  On the other hand, it takes a lifetime for us to grow to full spiritual maturity.

 “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:3-4 NLT)

Seventh – Achieving both physical and spiritual therapy goals should involve rejoicing and celebration!

Just as the results of physical therapy will be noticeable, so will our progress in the spiritual dimension.   We begin to reveal a new depth of spiritual maturity to those around us, and we personally experience a new sense of peace and joy that is independent of our circumstances.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:3-4)

In summary, we build “spiritual muscles” by following God’s prescription just as we build physical muscles by following our physical therapist:

1. Seek the expert leadership of the Holy Spirit.
2. Read and follow His instruction manual, the Bible.
3. Gratefully accept His discipline and encouragement.
4. Remain focused and committed for the long haul.
5. Follow the examples of the Scripture’s positive role models—beginning with our ultimate role model, Jesus Christ.
6. Give your “therapy” time and patience.
7. Rejoice and celebrate each new milestone, remembering that you will never achieve perfect spiritual maturity this side of heaven, but you can move from spiritual “infancy” to spiritual “adulthood.”

How about you?  Have you noticed a little sag in your spiritual muscles?  Try a little therapy with the Master Therapist!  It will make all the difference!

p.s. If you have comments, I’d love to hear from you!

p.s.2. Anyone need a stretchy green exercise band?