Have you ever wondered what zone your heart is in? Today my fitness watch did a new thing. It showed on screen when my heart rate switched from one zone to the next. My workout for the day was all core so I didn’t see much of a change in the zones until I got on the Stairmaster. Mercy!
Our maximum heart rate is determined by using the number 220 and subtracting our age. A quick math check told me that 160 is my maximum rate. When I saw the number 156 and the bright red words ‘Zone 5’ on my screen, I had less than two minutes left on the machine. As I cooled down I saw the numbers go down steadily and I was grateful to get off the machine and head home.
Later, I imagined God asking, “What zone is your heart in toward me?”. Take a look at the photo with my heart rates. Notice that I spent the majority of my workout today in Zone 1. That’s where I hang with God most of the day. I pray and read my Bible. I listen to praise and worship music or a sermon at the beginning of my workout. When I walk though, I’m hyperfocused on hearing or noticing what message God has for me.
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalms 73:28 NIV
It is Good to be Near God
The older I get the more I desire for my heart to be in the zone closest to Him. My 87-year-old mother believes that she’s in God’s hands and doesn’t feel afraid. Her testimony sounds like she’s living in Zone 5 experiencing maximum closeness to Him. If she can’t sleep she grabs her hymnal and goes to the piano. Her refuge is found in worship.
Each phase of life we find ourselves in dictates how much time we spend at His feet. But even in short spurts, times of nearness with God refreshes our souls. May we all experience maximum closeness to Him. And may He invigorate our hearts and give us the strength to face each day without fear.