Don’t Drift: Using Daily Movement to Stay Close to God

This post is by Lindsey Bell.

When sea otters sleep, they often hold hands so they don’t drift apart. It’s called “rafting,” and it keeps them connected even while the water around them shifts and pulls. (Seriously, google it. The pictures you’ll find are adorable!) 

I love that image of rafting, because it reminds me that our own daily movement can either draw us closer to God or slowly cause us to drift away.

That’s why daily movement is about more than steps on a tracker or calories burned. It’s about using our bodies in ways that honor Him and keep us tethered to His heart. 

Paul reminds us in Acts 17:28 that “in Him we live and move and have our being.” Our movement, no matter how small, can be a daily reminder that we belong to Him.

So how do we do this in real life? How do we use movement to stay close to God? 

Here are three simple ways to weave movement into your day with intention:

 Try This Morning Movement Ritual

 The way we begin our mornings often sets the tone for the whole day. A simple movement ritual can align our body, mind, and spirit with the Lord before the busyness begins. 

Try this: open the curtains or blinds and let in the light, stretch your arms wide, and thank God for the gift of another day. 

These small motions become a prayer in themselves, reminding you from the very first moments that your life and strength are found in Him.

 Use One-Minute Moves

 Movement doesn’t have to take an hour at the gym. In fact, the smallest shifts can re-center your body and your heart. Try these one-minute moves as you start your day: 

• Stretch while the coffee brews and thank God for new mercies this morning.
• Walk around the house and pray for each family member as you pass his or her room. 
• Do a quick posture reset before opening your Bible. (Focus on having your shoulders back, your chin up, and your heart open).

 Pair Movement with Prayer or Bible Reading 

 Another simple rhythm is pairing movement with prayer or Bible reading. 

• Take a short walk around the block (or even just down the street and back), and pray through your to-do list, asking God for peace and guidance in each task.
• Practice slow, deep breathing while meditating on a single verse.
• As you're reading your Bible today, stretch your body. If it’s too hard to read and stretch at the same time, try listening to a verse through an app on your phone. 

Like those otters holding hands in the water, our daily movements can keep us connected, both to God and to others. We don’t have to drift. But we do have to be intentional. 

This week, choose one small movement from the options I’ve listed in this post, and let it remind you to hold fast to the One who is always holding you.

About Lindsey Bell: 

Lindsey is the author of two books, Unbeaten and Searching for Sanity, as well as the ghostwriter of an International Bestselling book. She is a contributing author to various other books including: Hello Mornings Bible studies, the Abba’s Heart devotional collection, and the Big Dreams from Small Spaces devotional. Lindsey’s desire is to inspire and encourage women through honest dialogue about faith, family, and learning to love the life she’s been given. As a woman who has lost four babies to miscarriage, Lindsey loves helping others find God in the midst of heartache. Find Lindsey online at www.lindseymbell.com.

Lindsey lives with her once-high-school-sweetheart-now-husband, Keith, her two children, and her dog that never leaves her side, Champion. She’s an avid reader and a lover of all things chocolate. With teenage children, Lindsey is busy shuttling them around to their various activities, attending baseball and football games and cross country meets, and watching them grow up WAY too fast! 

 Photo by Kedar Gadge on Unsplash