Stiff Neck, Screwy Spine

by Macy Johnson

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

(Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV)

Several years ago, while living in Birmingham, I visited a chiropractor because my neck hurt. 

The doctor concluded, “You have a screwy spine.” Recent DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) bone scans confirm osteopenia (bone loss) in my hips and spine, early stages of a weakened, brittle skeleton.

I have osteoarthritis (joint disease) in my right thumb. I can type on my laptop and play the piano, but the pain forced me to let go of my computer mouse and learn how to use a touchpad. This “thorn in the flesh” reminds me of my weaknesses and stiff-necked rebellion - over-use of my hands and body, in spite of warning signs.

Cancer often attacks damaged parts of the body. My mother’s broken hip most likely led to her bone cancer and death at age seventy-eight. Smokers often get cancer in their weakened lungs.

Physical weakness can reflect spiritual weakness. Satan attacks our spirits at our weakest points. Just when we think our faith is strong in a particular area, we are tempted, tested exactly at that point. When we ask God, He fills up the holes in our faith, our bodies, our minds, making us strong to face physical and spiritual attacks, to fear the Lord and shun evil.

Like the grandfather who hides behind trees, following his granddaughter home from school every day to assure her safety, God is always with us. Unseen, He strives to protect us within the boundaries He put in place.

I surrender my physical and spiritual flaws to Jesus today and ask Him to massage and nourish them with His unconditional love. I hope you will, too!