What Is Your Core Doing?

When I teach a spin class, I try and encourage participants to be mindful of their abdominal muscles. I yell, "What are your abs doing?!"

I'm sure they all want to slap me. I would want to slap me.

But the core is very important.

Our bodies form how we train it. If I am doing sit-ups with my belly pooched out, my belly will form with a pooch. Similarly, a spin class is easier if you involve your core. Running is easier. Lifting weights is easier. The core muscles assist the entire body.

In a similar fashion, today I am asking myself, "What's my core doing?"

My spiritual core, that is.

My soul.

What is your soul doing today?

Is it refreshed? Heavy? Encouraged? Overwhelmed? Revived? Discouraged?

Take a few minutes to ask yourself, "What's my soul doing today?" Journal if you've got one.

Psalm 19:7-11 - Addressing the Soul.

David is reflecting and celebrating the Law. The Torah to be exact. The Torah are the five books telling of God's revelation to Moses - The Mosaic Law. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Well, conviction falls on me. I can honestly say I have never specifically celebrated the book of Numbers. Or Leviticus.

It's hard to celebrate what I don't know much about. I want to know it. And rejoice.

David knew the Law. He loved the law.

The word LAW has a negative connotation. But let's allow the Lord to transform our minds in regards. (Romans 12:2)

God's law is opposite of negative. His Word is instruction to us. Direction. His Law serves as a divine guideline to light our path. To break our chains. His Law is Freedom.

This morning, we are going to study all that David says about the Law of the Lord.

If you have chosen to participate in memorizing this Psalm, take some time to rewrite vv.7-11.

I have my memorization sheet taped to my dashboard. Watch me have an accident and try to explain... "Well officer, you see...I have this blog...."

v.7 The Law of the Lord is perfect reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

v.8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

v. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

v. 10 More to be desired tare they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

v. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
In keeping them is great reward.

This text is full of adjectives describing the Law and explaining its benefits.

Today, let's look at each word, in its expanded form, using a Strong's Hebrew dictionary.

The Law of the Lord

*Perfect - Complete. It lacks nothing.

*Reviving the soul - Converting. To return back

*Sure - True, certain.

*Wise - Kindred to the word Judge.

*Right - Straightforward, Correct

*Rejoicing the heart - Making merry. Leaping for joy.

*Pure - Unmixed with evil

*Enlightening - To refresh, to gladden.

*Righteous - In the right. Just.

*Clean - Opposing filth and pollution

*Enduring forever - To stand firm. Remain.

*True - Reliable. Stable.

Reading all of this reminds me of Philippians 4:8.

Whatever is true, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about such things.

I see why we are instructed to meditate...to mutter the Word day and night. It is worthy of praise. It is pure. Arguably, the only thing left sacred in this world.

What do you think of when you read over these adjectives? What rises up in you?

I can't help but question myself. What am I thinking about?

I love that the Law is clean. Isn't that an interesting choice of words? It is the OPPOSITE OF POLLUTION. In a world bent on filling our minds with filth, I need a clean word.

And I am struck by the Word's ability to RETURN the soul. I have been to that place. Several times actually. I need my soul to return to the Lord. To his Law.

Does your soul need a good turn?

An about face? A 180?

The Law has the power to convert the soul. To revive it.

So what is the condition of your soul today? What are you thinking on? What is the Lord revealing to you?

Share if you feel led.

Reflect, pray and refresh this morning in the perfect Law of the Lord.