The Sacred And Important Connection Between Faith and Fitness

 

Let’s talk about how fitness and faith are linked.

There’s a famous scene in Chariots of Fire where Olympic runner Eric Liddell says, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” That line has always stayed with me because it captures a profound truth: Movement is a form be worship.

For many,  exercise is about health, discipline, or even stress relief. But what if it could also be a way to experience God’s presence? What if lifting weights, running, or flowing through yoga could become acts of devotion?  

The Bible tells us that our bodies matter to God, not just our souls. So let’s explore how physical exercise can be more than just a workout; it can be a way to glorify God and feel His joy in motion.

1. Biblical Foundations: Our Bodies Are Temples of the Holy Spirit

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?… Therefore, honour God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV).  God didn’t design us as disembodied spirits. He created us as whole beings, body, soul, and spirit. That means how we treat our physical body matters. Caring for our health isn’t about obsession with appearance; it’s about honouring the vessel God gave us. Just as David trained his hands for battle (Psalm 144:1), we can build endurance to serve God and others better. Romans 12:1, urges us to offer our bodies as worship. Could that include how we move? When we exercise with gratitude for our strength, breath, and ability, we turn fitness into an act of worship.  

2. Exercise as Worship: How Movement Draws Us Closer to God

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”Psalm 19:1 (NIV). My younger self separated exercise and prayer. I would often say, if I could pray whilst working out, then I wasn’t going hard enough. Back then, exercising meant pushing to a point that was hard to talk. Now in my mid fifties, when at the moment, I no longer run outdoors, some of my most intimate moments with God haven’t happened within closed doors. I actually now prefer praying outdoors on my walks. The connection is different when all around me I see his glory in nature, there is a deeper appreciation of who he is as the intelligent designer, the master architect of the world. 

Today, as I stepped out and looked at the grey skies, I started with, “Thank you Lord, for it is indeed a beautiful day”. Every season has it’s purpose, this is something we must always remember when the sun is not shining. 

Running, walking, swimming, or cycling can become moving meditations, where each step syncs with prayer.  Awe in nature – walking in the park, hiking a mountain or walking by the ocean reminds us of God’s majesty (Job 12:7-10).  Not everyone can exercise. When we do, it’s a gift to celebrate (Psalm 139:14).  Thankfulness for movement – next time you work out, try dedicating it to God: “Lord, this km/rep is for You.” You might be surprised by the joy that follows.  

 3. The Joy of Discipline: Spiritual Growth Through Physical Training

“Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV). Discipline in fitness mirrors discipline in faith. Both require consistency, showing up daily, even when motivation fades (1 Corinthians 9:26-27) and perseverance, pushing through “burn” builds resilience for life’s trials (Hebrews 12:1).  And mind over matter – just as we train muscles, we renew our minds in Christ (Romans 12:2). So always bear in mind that, every drop of sweat can be a small act of faithfulness.  

4. Practical Ways to Invite God Into Your Workouts

Want to turn exercise into worship? Try these ideas:  

Pray While You Move: Talk to God during reps or miles ask him to bring joy into your efforts. 

Scripture On The Move: Swap music for an audio bible.

Praise Is What We Do:  Listen to up tempo worship music. 

Gratitude Breaks: Pause mid-workout to thank God quietly for the strength and the grace to carry on.  

Dedicate Your Effort:  Before you start, “This lift/run/walk/workout is for Your glory”

Final thought: Moving with Purpose

Exercise doesn’t have to be separate from faith. When we move with intention, we can feel God’s pleasure, not just in grand victories, but in the daily rhythm of a body alive and offered to Him.  

I love this song by Jovonta Patton – Great are You Lord

This chorus reminds me why I should Keep Moving

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise, we pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise to You only

My thoughts are, God designed the human body to move and his breath keeps me alive. If I’m out of breath doing something he designed my body to do, then I’m an unfaithful servant.

My prayer walk often ends with, “Lord, thank you for the gift of movement, I have moved today by your grace. In you I live, breathe, move and have my being” 

So next time you lace up your shoes, remember, You’re not just working out, You’re worshiping

An Athlete’s Testimony: Allyson Felix’s Faith, Fitness and Speed

Allyson Felix, the most decorated female track Olympian in history, didn’t just run for medals, she ran for God’s glory. She often prays mid-race, saying, “I’m not running alone.

After a high-risk pregnancy in 2018 (her daughter was born via emergency C-section at 32 weeks), doctors warned her career might be over. But Felix leaned on Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” 

In 2019, she challenged Nike’s maternity policies to advocate for female athletes, later launching a childcare fund for Olympians, a mission rooted in Proverbs 31:8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves”. Felix’s story reminds us that our bodies are tools for worship, not just winning.  Felix retired in 2022 at the age of 36yrs. She won her last medal at the age of 35yrs and that made her the most decorated female track Olympian in history.

You don’t need to be an Olympian to feel God’s pleasure in movement. Whether you’re walking, lifting, or dancing, do it for his glory.  “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

If you don’t have a regular fitness routine, struggle with consistency, hate exercising, ask God to help you, invite him into it daily. You might just discover a joy you never expected. 

Question for You:

Have you ever felt God’s presence during exercise? 

Share your story below!

K💚

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