The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7

How many resolutions did you make for this new year? One that seems on most people’s list is to exercise more. As we embrace a fresh start, we often commit to working out and being more deliberate about taking care of our bodies.

This is a wonderful goal—after all, your body is indeed the temple of the Lord, the sacred place where his Spirit dwells. When you respect and revere your body as a gift from God, you’re saying thank you. If you’re able to read these words, your eyes are working. If you’re able to log on to the Jesus Daily page, your fingers must be able to type. If you enjoyed a good night’s sleep or the taste of your breakfast, thank the Lord.

Regardless of the condition of your body, the closer you grow in your relationship with God, the stronger you become—often on the outside, but always on the inside.

You can grow closer to God with my full Jesus Daily® Devotional Book at fine bookstores everywhere.

Pray: “Dear God, I’m grateful for the body you’ve given me. Despite its imperfections, it remains the temple of your Spirit. Bless my pursuit of a healthier lifestyle this year.”