Exodus 32:9 “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”
[New International translation]
Scripture Discussed
Numerous times in the Old Testament, GOD refers to the Jewish people as a “stiff-necked” people. GOD would try to lead the people in the right direction—a direction that would be beneficial to them and lead to blessings, but, like obstinate oxen under a plough yoke, the people simply refused to be led. “Stiffing their necks,” the people were willfully disobedient, unrepentant, set in their own ways and unresponsive to GOD’s word and HIS commandments. The people would not listen to Moses, GOD’s spokespersons, or obey GOD.
In an article, “Eight Marks of A Stiff-Necked People,” Dr. Ray Prichard describes the following “marks” or characteristics of a stiff-necked people:
- Certainty that you are right.
- Refusal to listen to anyone else.
- Defensive when criticized.
- Making excuses for your shortcomings.
- Lashing out at others.
- No desire to examine your own life.
- Repeated pattern of misbehavior.
- Prayer without repentance
Dr. Prichard notes that being stiff-necked can happen to any of us! When we become rigid and hardened in our ways, so GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT and the LOVE of CHRIST, cannot reach us, we are stiff necked! Unless we obey GOD and exercise our faith, it can happen.
Why We Need To Exercise to Ease Stiff Necks
The neck is made of a number of muscles that attach the head to the rest of the body. The neck muscles allow the neck to move and provide structural support to the head. Here are some of the muscles in the neck:
Because there are so many muscles that make up the neck, it is important to exercise these muscles to prevent stiffness and pain and to develop a stronger neck. Having a strong neck is beneficial to your posture and general health.
Causes of Neck pain and Stiffness
There a number of reasons for neck pain and stiffness. Here are just a few:
Anxiety- Many people get neck tension during times of stress. Physical pain and emotional pain may lead to neck tension and stiffness.
Immobility- Many people get neck stiffness just from sitting in one position too long. For example driving for long periods of time, sitting at a computer for long periods where you hold your neck in the same position can often lead to neck stiffness (also shoulder and back stiffness). If you watch TV for long periods you may also experience the same types of problems.
Poor Posture-Many people can get neck pain from poor posture. If the muscles in the neck and back have to counterbalance the pull of gravity caused the a forward head, as a result of poor posture, this can sometimes lead to neck pain as well as shoulder and back pain. Sometimes sleeping in a poor posture position at night can cause neck pain and stiffness in the morning.
Sometimes multiple factors or a combination of factors (e.g. anxiety, poor posture and periods of immobility together) such as when students study for final exams or when a person has to “burn the midnight oil” at a computer to complete a project or the very act of taking an exam or test can cause neck stiffness and pain.
Neck Exercises
There may a number of ways to decrease neck stiffness, including improving your posture, stretching, strength training and exercise. Some simple neck stretches include the following:
- Tilting your neck downward pointing your chin downward slowly as far as you can go and then slowly upwards as far as you can go. At your limit point hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
- Tilting your neck toward your right shoulder slowly and then toward the left shoulder slowly. At your limit point hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds. If you want an extra stretch, gently (very gently), use your hand and reach across your head to gently help pull your head toward your shoulder. Repeat 2 to 4 times toward each shoulder. If you experience any pain, stop.
- Rotate your head slowly like a big ball first clockwise then counter-clockwise. If you are not used to exercising, have balance or mobility problems or experience dizziness, you should do this exercise sitting on the floor.
As always, you should check with your personal physician before starting an exercise program, if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition. Your doctor, who is familiar with your condition, can suggest a physical therapist or recommend exercises that are best for you.
Pray and Exercise Faith for Greater Physical Spiritual Fitness
All of us, if we are honest with ourselves, have experienced times when we are “stiff-necked.” Digging in our heals, resisting change, always insisting on our own way, refusing to listen, not checking “it” against the WORD of GOD, can be signs, “marks” and symptoms of “stiff-neckedness.” It can happen and does happen to us all.
As David prayed, let us all ask GOD to renew a right SPIRIT in each of us (Psalm 51:10) so that we will are willing, obedient and flexible followers.
Pray that we not succumb to stress and anxiety but learn to depend upon and trust in GOD. Pray that we exercise our faith and stretch out to GOD in prayer.
Pray for greater physical and spiritual fitness in 2017 and BE BLESSED!
