Meditations on Healthy Living

Genesis 32:24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel….” [New International translation]

Definition: “Joint” –A part of the body where two or more bones meet for movement. Every bone of the body---except the hyoid bone in the throat—meets at least one other bone at a joint for movement. See, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.

Biblical Comment

If anyone knew what it was like to struggle, Jacob did. Even before birth, his mother Rebekah could feel her twin sons, Jacob and Esau, struggling within her womb. (Genesis 25:22) At birth Jacob was already jockeying for position in life-- trying to get ahead, trying to position himself for wealth and authority, grasping at his brother Esau’s heel. (Genesis 25:26). Jacob’s, individual struggles, turned into family struggles, as he pushed and cajoled his way through life, deceiving his father Isaac, conspiring with his mother, scheming and struggling. Even, when Jacob got what he thought he wanted, the first-born blessing, Jacob’s struggles continued as he was forced to leave home because he was fearful of what Esau might do to him (Genesis 27:44).

Jacob’s struggles continued at Laban’s house. There Jacob experienced first-hand what it was like to be tricked and cheated by another family member, Laban, his father-in-law. Jacob struggled with dealing with other people’s attitude toward him when Laban’s sons grumbled that Jacob was taking what was theirs and Laban looked at Jacob suspiciously (Genesis 31:1-2). Jacob’s struggles continued when once again he had to pack up and leave Laban’s house. Jacob even struggled to keep his little household together, as evidenced by his wife Rachel stealing from Laban, without Jacob’s knowledge (Genesis 31:19).

Jacob constantly struggled with his own fears. Jacob was fearful Laban might take his wives away. (Genesis31:31). Jacob was especially fearful of his brother Esau. And to make matters worse, it seemed that there was no way to avoid an encounter with Esau because to get where he needed to go, Jacob had to first deal with Esau.

However, just when we think we know all about this fearful, struggling Jacob, we come to Genesis 32:24, what some would call Jacob’s encounter with GOD. A few things stand out:

First: Jacob thought he was alone, but he was not, GOD was there.
Second: Unlike many other “sports” and “activities” wrestling involves strength and hanging on. In other words, when you cling to GOD with all your strength and all your might, you will find that GOD will “cling” to you. Wrestling also involves grappling. Often, we have to grapple with the WORD of GOD. In fact, GOD wants to us “wrestle,” “grapple” and “struggle” with the WORD---to have a close encounter---so we deepen our understanding of HIM and HIS WORD.
Third: Even though GOD was with Jacob, there were still periods, as when Jacob’s hip was “out of joint,” when things didn’t look or feel good. Nevertheless, Jacob clung to GOD and GOD clung to Jacob. And, in the end, Jacob was blessed. GOD changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Israel means “He who struggles with GOD.” Jacob named the place where he wrestled “Peniel” (“The Face of GOD”).

 KEEP MOVING

Many people with pain and stiff joints often want to avoid exercise and moving. However, many experts believe that exercise is important for joint health because if you don’t exercise your joints just become stiffer and more painful.

This may be especially true for those who may be experiencing arthritis joint pain and stiffness. According to a Mayo Clinic article entitled, “Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness,” exercise:

      • Strengthens the muscles around your joints
      • Helps maintain bone strength
      • Give you more energy to get through the day
      • Make it easier to get a good night's sleep
      • Help you control your weight
      • Enhance your quality of life
      • Improves your balance

See, “Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness,” www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971.

Here are a few exercises and stretches for the hip and lower back:

Hip Extension Exercise

      1. Stand upright with the feet about shoulder-width apart.
      2. Extend both arms in front and hold onto a sturdy chair back or a wall for support.
      3. Keeping the right leg straight, lift the left leg backward, without bending the knee
      4. Lift the leg as far back as possible and clench the buttocks tightly and hold the pose for about 3-5 seconds.
      5. Repeat the stretch about 5-10 times on each leg.

External Hip Rotation

      1. Sit on the floor on a comfortable rug or mat. If it helps, lean your back against a wall.
      2. Bend your legs at the knees and try to press the soles of the feet together (or as close together as possible) while sitting up straight. Experiment on bringing the soles of the feet together away from your body as well as close to your body.
      3. Place a hand along the thigh (right above the knee) and slowly and gently apply a little pressure until there is a stretch as you try to relax so your knees touch the floor. It may help to slowly breathe in and out. Try to press your knees to the floor on the exhale.
      4. Hold each press for about 3-5 seconds.
      5. Remember, be gentle with yourself. Try to sit straight and tuck in your gut.
      6. Relax and repeat the stretches 5-10 times.

Hip and Lower Back Stretch

      1. Lie flat on your back on a mat, towel, or rug.
      2. Slowly bend your knees until your feet are flat on the floor.
      3. Using your hands (but without touching the top of your knees) pull both knees into your chest.
      4. Breathe deeply in and out and with each exhale try to bring your knees in closer to your shoulders.
      5. Hold the stretch for about 5-10 seconds, then relax and stretch your legs out to your start position and breathe normally
      6. Repeat steps 1-5.

See https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325029#hip-and-lower-back-stretch for exercise visuals.

As always, it is best to check with your personal physician if you have concerns, want to start an exercise program, or want to determine what exercise or program is right for you and your condition. If you are taking medication, have balance issues, or are in pain, again it is important to consult your personal physician. You can even discuss whether you might need physical therapy or an exercise coach. Again, speak with your physician for information and options.

OUT OF JOINT or STRUGGLING?

Remember, joints are meant to connect. Sometimes, like Jacob, we may encounter problems, connecting with other people or “learning who we are.” Remember, when we connect with GOD, GOD will help us discover who we really are and GOD’s purpose for our life. Like Jacob, GOD has a plan and a blessing for each of us.

So, keep moving. Grapple with GOD’s WORD. Attend or join a Sunday School class. Join a Bible study. Read and study GOD’s WORD. Find a ministry or a place where GOD can use you and your gifts. Cling to GOD and allow GOD to cling to you.

Keep moving, have faith, and BE BLESSED!