Reading
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
Psalm 139:13-14 (NRSV)
Reflection
Your body is your friend. Like any friend you have known your whole life, your relationship with your body has likely had its ups and downs. There have been moments when you have done incredible things together, moments when you have felt pain and frustration, and moments when you have struggled to trust it at all. Still, your body is a gift from God, and one that we can easily take for granted.
Along with our bodies comes this physical capacity for discernment. Sometimes we experience a gut feeling that gives us pause, or tells us what we ought or ought not to do. Often we’re unable to explain why we feel this unease, but it is worth paying attention to. Our bodies often notice tension, danger, exhaustion, or grief before our minds have even found the words for it. As Andy Stanley shares in his book, Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets, “What begins as an uneasy feeling is often supported later with reason.”
Sometimes we try to explain away these feelings. We tell ourselves that we have already considered the facts, carefully weighed our options, and made a logical decision, even when something within us is sending out caution signals. We may assume that our minds are more trustworthy than our bodies, but God created us as whole people: minds, hearts, spirits, and bodies.
Pastor and social worker Anne Cumings writes:
“Our bodies are wise. So wise. The psalmist writes that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made.’ God knit our very bodies together with intricate stitches and complexity. And that complexity and beauty can be trusted…If we truly believe we are wonderfully made, shouldn’t we be able to trust in God’s handiwork? I propose we stop trying to override the wisdom that God built into our bodies. Instead, let’s listen to our bodies’ cues and respond with deep, loving care. Let’s tune our attention to the ways God speaks to us, in and through the rhythms of the body. We can trust God, and we can trust our bodies.”
When you feel that sense of hesitation, pay attention to it. Or as Pastor Mark shared on Sunday, if something bothers you, let it bother you! An uneasy feeling might not give you an answer, but it can be an invitation to pause, pray, and look closely. God may be using the wisdom that is woven into your body to guide you when your mind feels scattered.
Prayer
Gracious God,
You formed us with care and wisdom. Give us the courage to honor the limits and signals of our bodies, and teach us to receive them as gifts for your service. In every decision, may we be drawn deeper into your love. Amen.
