Detox

Detox is a short form of detoxify, which means… to remove a poison from.

We hear it used in the context of people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol when they are attempting to quit. In more serious cases, we hear of “withdrawal” associated with that event.

Detox is a process where the person will want to stop the addiction and possibly go into a treatment center to be helped and monitored during the withdrawal. They will be in the process of ridding their bodies and minds of the toxin or poison.

Health guru’s have now looked at the “normal” human and their “normal” life styles and said that “normal” people need to detox every now and then. They are saying that in everyday life the body takes in toxins that are poisonous and need to be removed. The lungs and smoking are main targets, and I don’t need to talk to you about that because you are bombarded with ads to quit and the “whys”. Their next target is the colon. I must say that I agree with them… most of the time. They are even developing products that will help you do this very thing.

Of course, most of you know that I am going somewhere with this topic. So, here it is….

If the body needs detoxifying, do you think the soul and spirit need detoxifying? My answer is a resounding, “yes”. Then you may ask, “How do I do that”? And I say, “I think it would look something like this….”

There are things we call spiritual disciplines, prayer, fasting, meditation, solitude and worship. The Bible tells us, “when you pray” (not if you pray), and then goes on to tell us a facet of prayer and what it means to us in our walk with the Lord. In the same manner the Bible says, “when you fast, don’t put on a long face”; or for meditation, “when you meditate”,
Psalm 119 is replete with the word meditate of meditation. Now to the “how do I do it’s”.

I look at it like this…. Basic fasting is for the purpose of detoxifying the body for spiritual purposes. A person would go without food for a period of time in order to focus on God. For those on medication, check with your doctor for recommendations. Most might do a one day fast, while some can only do a one meal fast. Start somewhere and work up the next time. Drinking water, a lot of water, will flush the system of toxins, usually one or two gallons a day. A one day fast will help, but two to three days will accomplish more. Again, check with your doctor if you have certain medical problems and are on medications. When you feel the urge to eat, it is time to pray more and focus on the Lord even stronger. Some may need to do it on a day when you can be alone, not at work; while others will be able to work and fast. But remember that the purpose is for spiritual reasons; you want to hear from God.

Another aspect of detoxifying is a hot bath or shower, as hot as you can stand it. The hot water opens your pores and allows the bodily toxins to be released. As you bathe or shower, this is the time for prayer and meditation, asking God to “open your pores and open your eyes to Him”; take away the toxins that are hindering you in your life. Pour out your heart to Him, tell Him “where it hurts”. Remember, He weeps with those who weep. I won’t make a list for you that’s between you and the Lord. Stay as long as it takes for what the Lord wants to do. Pour out your heart to Him, let Him cleanse you, let Him wash you, let Him purify you. End with a cold shower, this closes the pores. Spiritually, it “seals the deal”. It says, Yes Lord!

Love to all,
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
May 2, 2009