I press the small of my back to the floor, tighten my core, and flex my foot. Slowly, I lift my leg, pulling gently on the stretching strap looped over the ball of my foot. I’ve done this movement so many times now that I guide myself as I go—keep the leg straight, don’t hold your breath, engage your core.
When I first started these physical therapy exercises, there was so much to remember. It felt unnatural trying to keep track of every little adjustment. My physical therapist would gently remind me, again and again—keep your posture correct, engage your core, don’t rush through the movement.
I’ve been doing these exercises since last summer, ever since we had to cancel our Grand Canyon hike due to my knee injury. Progress has been slow. And even now, the disappointment lingers—not just from missing that adventure, but from still not being able to hike at all.
Every time I see a picture of the Grand Canyon, I feel a twinge of what could have been. I had trained, prepared, and dreamed of that hike. And yet, instead of walking those rugged trails, I found myself lying on the floor, stretching, strengthening, waiting. Healing is slow work.
I don’t love spending time on these exercises, focusing so much on my knee. I’d rather be building endurance, pushing my limits on the treadmill (my currently small limits), and strength training to get the rest of my body strong and toned. But God has been teaching me something in this season of limitation—at least, when I take the time to listen.
Not long ago, I shifted my focus. Instead of just going through the motions, I concentrated on my posture—keeping my back pressed firmly to the floor, engaging my core, moving with intention. And that’s when I noticed something: when my posture is correct, I can stretch further. The movement becomes more effective. And I feel the difference throughout the day. I walk easier. I move with less pain.
Going Through the Motions? Why Your Heart’s Posture Matters in Spiritual Growth
And isn’t that just like our spiritual walk?
How often do we move through our faith without checking our posture? We pray distracted, read Scripture out of obligation, worship without surrender. We go through the motions and wonder why we don’t feel closer to God.
I wonder how often we rush through our spiritual practices, hoping for transformation without truly engaging. We skim through a passage, whisper a quick prayer, attend church on autopilot—then wonder why we feel distant from Him.
But just like physical therapy, spiritual growth isn’t about how much we do—it’s about how we position ourselves. When our hearts are properly postured before God—humble, surrendered, fully engaged—we can go further. We experience His presence in deeper ways, hear His voice more clearly, and grow in ways we never expected.
Fasting & the Posture of Your Heart: Aligning Yourself to Go Deeper with God
Fasting is one of the ways that helps us adjust our posture.
It strips away distractions and helps us realign our hearts with God’s. It’s not about proving our devotion or forcing His hand—it’s about making space, pressing in, and allowing Him to strengthen us where we are weak.
I’ve had times where I’ve fasted and, instead of feeling spiritual breakthroughs, I just felt hungry or frustrated. But when I stopped focusing on what I was giving up and instead focused on what I was opening my heart to, fasting became less of a duty and more of a deep breath. A way to make space for God’s presence in my daily routine.
If we approach fasting as an act of surrender rather than an act of striving, it repositions our hearts to receive more of God.
So today, take a moment to check your posture. Are you pressing in, engaging fully, surrendering completely? Or are you simply going through the motions?
Maybe, just maybe, fasting is the stretch your soul needs.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” — James 4:10
How to Check the Posture of Your Heart When Seeking God More Deeply
Just like physical posture affects flexibility and movement, spiritual posture affects how we experience God. This week, before you pray or read Scripture, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself:
- Am I truly engaging with God, or am I just going through the motions?
- Am I creating space to listen, or am I rushing ahead?
- Is there an area where I need to surrender and realign my heart?
These moments of reflection are like spiritual posture checks—keeping us aware, engaged, and positioned to receive from God.
Cultivations
FOR THE HEART
What might God be inviting you to surrender so that you can stretch further in your faith?
for the Spirit
Lord, posture my heart in a way that allows me to draw closer to You. Help me to let go of distractions and move with intention in my faith. May my fasting, my prayers, and my worship be rooted in humility and longing for Your presence. Teach me to go further, not by striving, but by surrendering. Amen.
for the Journey
Choose one area of your faith to be intentional about this week—prayer, Scripture, worship, fasting—and focus on engaging fully instead of just going through the motions.
Before you pray or read Scripture, take a moment to pause, breathe, and check your posture. Maybe even journal your reflections. What shifts when you engage with God from a place of full surrender?
If you’d like support and encouragement in fasting, I’d love to walk alongside you. Check out this month’s podcast, YouTube video, and Scripture Cultivations for more resources on fasting and spiritual posture.
