Have you ever taken a “little” break from something? Maybe from your running schedule, or your Dave Ramsey envelopes, or your early morning devotional. The definition of little is:
short in duration; not extensive; short; brief: a little while
small in number
small in amount or degree; not much
Well, I really enjoy working out; however, this summer I was not able to do my “regular” routine. So I took a “little” break. Sure, I went on a few runs through our hilly subdivision, I rode my Spin bike in the basement now and then, but I took a break from the consistent, regular, intense workouts that I had been doing. This little break was 8 weeks long.
This past weekend as I prepared for the rapid arrival of fall I noticed 1 alarming thing…all my jeans are tight! Like, really, really tight! “How did this happen?” I exclaim! I wishfully wonder if the dryer was on high heat last time I washed them, as I do air squats hoping to stretch out a little more space in the pants. Unfortunately, the “muffin top” around the waistband doesn’t lie. I have gained some weight! Ever been there?
Since I don’t have a scale anymore (I was certain Satan himself lived inside of it) I gauge my current weight by the fit of my clothing and I was pretty surprised. I knew I had taken a little break, but this just seems unfair! Out of 52 weeks in the year, I can consistently workout for 44 weeks and remain the same size. Take a “little” 8 week break and WhaaBaam! Clothes don’t fit.
This whole thing reminded me of Proverbs 6:9-11. For the first time I realized this verse says a “little” sleep, a “little” slumber, and “little” folding of the hands. I just love when God’s Word jumps into my mind mid-tantrum and reminds me of His truth. It’s not unfair, it’s just…well, the way it is. In our life it only takes a little rest, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to drastically impact our wellness both physically and spiritually.
Think about it now spiritually. What happens when we take a “little” break from bible study? A little break from prayer? A little break from church? Imagine how quickly we can fatten up in our worldliness, and fleshly desires.
For me sometimes, it is the desire for more sleep that can cause me to miss my morning quiet time or an early workout, and that frustrates me. As I looked at this verse again, I was struck that the desire for a little sleep was the very thing God said would bringing poverty and scarcity.
Proverbs 6:9-11
New International Version (NIV)
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
Written by Jamie Shaver