Topical Bible: The Evening: A Season For: Exercise

◄ The Evening: A Season For: Exercise ►

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In the biblical context, the evening holds a significant place as a time for reflection, rest, and renewal. However, it can also be seen as an opportune time for physical exercise, aligning with the biblical principles of stewardship of the body and maintaining health.

Biblical Foundation for Physical Exercise

The Bible emphasizes the importance of caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage underscores the responsibility of believers to maintain their physical health, which can include regular exercise.

Evening as a Time for Exercise

The evening, as a transition from the busyness of the day to the calm of the night, can be an ideal time for physical activity. In Genesis 24:63 , we find Isaac going out to the field in the evening to meditate. While this passage primarily highlights meditation, it also suggests a time of solitude and personal activity, which can include exercise.

Exercise and Spiritual Discipline

Physical exercise in the evening can also be seen as a form of discipline that parallels spiritual discipline. In 1 Timothy 4:8 , Paul advises, "For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." While spiritual exercise is of greater eternal value, physical exercise is acknowledged as beneficial for the present life.

Rest and Renewal

The evening is traditionally a time for winding down and preparing for rest. Exercise can play a role in this process by relieving stress and promoting better sleep. The Bible speaks to the importance of rest in passages such as Psalm 127:2 : "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved." Engaging in exercise during the evening can help balance the physical and spiritual aspects of life, leading to a more restful night.

Practical Considerations

Incorporating exercise into the evening routine can be a practical way to honor God with one's body. Activities such as walking, jogging, or stretching can be done in a spirit of gratitude and reflection, offering a time to meditate on God's Word or pray. This aligns with the biblical call to integrate faith into all aspects of life, including physical health.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly prescribe evening exercise, the principles of bodily stewardship, discipline, and rest provide a framework for understanding the evening as a suitable time for physical activity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 11:2
And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Already the Judgment of God Approached Him, and that Season Ensued ...
... of God approached him, and that season ensued in ... Under pretence of manly exercise
and recreation, he ... the request of Constantius, one evening gave Constantine a ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xxiv already the judgment.htm

The Last Season
... The last season. ... you who could not search your heart, and regulate it, and exercise
it in ... would seriously demand of your own heart at least every evening, 'O my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/xii the last season.htm

Wesley at 81
... just as strong to labor and as fit for any exercise of body ... It was a solemn and
comfortable season. In the evening I read prayers and preached in Owstone church ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley at 81.htm

Of the Exercises of a Religious Man
... make thy resolves, and in the evening inquire into ... All cannot have one exercise,
but one suiteth better to ... Even for the diversity of season different exercises ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xix of the exercises.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... But I come now to give a few practical directions respecting the exercise of prayer. ...
The twilight of the evening is also a favorable season for devotional ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Social Recreation.
... method in the use of life, activity, exercise, we mean ... No part of the evening
entertainment should be allowed to ... How shall the company disband in due season? ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/vii social recreation.htm

The First Year --Society and Climate.
... summer grows in North-Western India at that season: wheat, oats ... They never try to
get warm by taking exercise. They cower in the morning and evening round a fire ...
/.../chapter vi the first yearsociety.htm

His First Residence in Germany.
... In some sittings, deep exercise and mourning; in others, cause of rejoicing ... 8
mo.25."The reading meeting this evening has been a precious season; O, how ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and ...
... Servants and laborers must take that season which their ... fittest time for myself is
the evening, from sun ... Lord's day is exceedingly seasonable for this exercise. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiii the nature of.htm

Solitude, Silence, Submission
... On Lord's-day Evening, June 13th, 1886. ... in the Scriptures, would be a very healthy
exercise; but how ... Therefore, I pray you, set apart some season every day, or ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/solitude silence submission.htm