Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
[King James translation]
Summary
It is interesting to compare mankind’s quality of life before the fall (before Adam disobeyed GOD) and afterward. Before the fall, Adam lived in GOD’s garden. Eden was a GODly place, a beautiful space, uniquely created and designed by GOD. GOD planted trees, with the choicest of fruit. Eden was a place of peace and comfort. Most importantly, it was a place where humanity could be with THE CREATOR. In Eden, Adam could commune with THE CREATOR. Adam could talk with THE CREATOR, walk with THE CREATOR, and do the work THE CREATOR designed specifically for him. It was ideal.
But as a result of Adam's disobedience, and the disobedience of generations of male and female “Adams” thereafter, humanity was denied, Eden. Humanity would still have to eat, but no longer would humans eat from GOD’s special garden. Adam would have to plant his own garden. Adam would have to sweat. Adam would have to face obstacles. Instead of beautiful trees and easy, accessible fruit dangling from branches, Adam would encounter “thorns and thistles.” (See, Genesis 3:18.) Adam would have to deal with “the dust” and “the ground”--his very own nature, trying to live---trying to eat. Living outside of Eden would be hard and it would be frustrating.
Yet, one of the greatest lessons of the Bible, is that the story did not end with “the fall.” GOD
continued to provided. For example:
- When the Israelites were sweating in the wilderness, complaining and unhappy about all of the obstacles in their lives, GOD rained down bread from heaven. (See Exodus 16:4)
- Job’s “thorns and thistles” seemed to be never-ending. They attacked his flesh and his spirit. He could find no comfort---not even from his friends or his wife. It seemed like everything he had worked and sweated for just disappeared overnight. Job’s sweat was also the sweat of illness, discouragement, and mental suffering. But, in the midst of his despair, GOD found Job and reminded Job who GOD IS.
There are many other examples and Biblical witnesses to GOD’s AMAZING GRACE. The greatest act of GRACE was GOD sending HIS SON, JESUS, THE CHRIST to redeem humanity from the penalty of death. JESUS took the thorns and thistles of life, which HE wore in HIS suffering and then turned them into a crown of glory and victory, when HE then arose, victorious, with all authority from the grave.
JESUS sweated too. In a “prayer garden” called Gethsemane, in HIS agony, HIS sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground. (See, Luke 22:39-44) Yet, HE continued to commune with GOD. HE continued to pray. And GOD, in HIS GRACE, heard HIM. GOD always hears JESUS. (See, John 11:41)
Yes, the Bible has a lot to say about sweat, the thorns, and thistles of life and GOD’s GRACE.
EXERCISE SWEAT
One of the more famous quotes attributed to Edgar Allen Poe is “The best things in life make you sweaty.” When it comes to exercise, the subject of sweat or what makes you sweaty can be complicated and sometimes misleading.
It turns out that some people just sweat more than other people. So, just because a person sweat does not mean they are losing weight or that a person is getting a better workout. Generally, sweat is the normal reaction of the body when your body is working harder. It is the body’s cooling mechanism to reduce body heat. However, sometimes sweating can be the result of medical conditions. Excessing sweating can be caused by a thyroid condition, diabetes, or infection. If you are experiencing excessive sweating or have concerns, consult your personal physician.
If you sweat during exercise, you may need to consume more liquids to offset the loss of fluid from your body. Some of the tips for maintaining proper hydration include:
- Drinking water before and after exercise.
- Drinking water during exercise, especially if you exercise for long periods of time.
- Drinking water in hot and cold weather.
- Before and after exercise avoiding beverages that contain alcohol.
Although people often associate sweating with cardio exercises, sometimes holding a single pose can make you sweat. For example, consider the following:
- Static Lunge - Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Then take a big step forward and lower your back knee, without touching the ground and keeping your back straight and hips pointed straight ahead. Place your hands at your waist and hold, balancing yourself for 30 seconds or more. Then switch sides.
- Glute Bridge – Lie on your back with your hands along each side. Then bend your knees, keeping your feet flat on the ground, pointing forward. Squeeze your glutes and slowly lift your hips. Be sure to keep your shoulders down and draw in your abs. Hold for 30-45 seconds, then lower to the ground and repeat.
- Superman/Superwoman – Lie face down and extend your arms straight ahead and your feet straight behind. Simultaneously lift your head, chest, arms, legs, and feet, so you look like Superman/Superwoman flying. Look straight ahead. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat.
If you have balance problems, an injury, a medical condition, or concerns about performing these exercises consult your personal physician for an exercise program appropriate for you.
Remember it never hurts to ask a medical expert or to seek the advice of someone who knows your condition.
SWEAT, LIFE & THE BIBLE
Life still has its thorns and thistles. And, life can still make us sweat. Like the story of Job, the year 2020 has been a year of bad news reports. One pandemic (COVID 19), has been followed by another pandemic (global injustice), and another pandemic (environmental flooding, wildfires, and other climate changes), and another.
The good news is that GOD still IS. GOD still hears our prayers. JESUS is still our DEVINE INTERCESSOR. GOD still has AMAZING GRACE!
The Bible is still a source of spiritual and physical health and can quench our spiritual thirst.
So, continue to pray. Continue to persevere. Continue to wait on THE LORD.
Stay Biblically hydrated, and BE BLESSED!
