A Simple Way To Go Higher In Your Health

It's easy to focus on the big things when it comes to healthy living—like sticking to a strict workout routine or following a specific diet. But it's actually the little choices that add up and make a big difference in your health. So, what’s one small thing you can do today to be healthier tomorrow?

Take the stairs.

The Psalms of Ascension, or Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), were sung by the Israelites as they made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the three major Jewish festivals: Passover, Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Tabernacles). Specifically, they were ascending in several symbolic and literal ways:

1. Geographical Ascent: Jerusalem is situated on a high elevation, so pilgrims traveling from various parts of Israel and beyond would physically ascend in altitude to reach the city. The journey involved climbing up the hills and mountainous terrain leading to Jerusalem.

2. Spiritual Ascent: The act of going to Jerusalem for worship was seen as a spiritual journey, an ascent towards a closer relationship with God. The physical journey mirrored the spiritual upliftment as the pilgrims prepared themselves mentally and spiritually to participate in the holy festivals.

3. Temple Ascent: Within Jerusalem, the Temple itself was situated on Mount Zion, requiring an additional ascent. Pilgrims would ascend the steps to the Temple, which was the central place of worship, symbolizing moving closer to God's presence.

Here’s a brief overview of these psalms:

1. Psalm 120: A call for deliverance from lying lips and deceitful tongues.

   Psalm 121: A psalm expressing trust in God's protection, famously beginning with "I lift up my eyes to the hills."

   Psalm 122: A song of joy and peace, focusing on the beauty and significance of Jerusalem.

   Psalm 123: A plea for mercy from God, who is enthroned in heaven.

   Psalm 124: A declaration of God's help and deliverance from enemies.

   Psalm 125: A statement of trust in God's protection and the security of those who trust in Him.

   Psalm 126: A psalm of joy and restoration, recalling the return from captivity.

   Psalm 127: A reflection on the futility of human effort without God's blessing, attributed to Solomon.

   Psalm 128: A psalm about the blessings of those who fear the Lord.

   Psalm 129: A recounting of past afflictions and God's deliverance.

   Psalm 130: A cry for mercy and redemption, emphasizing hope in the Lord.

   Psalm 131: A psalm of humble trust in the Lord, attributed to David.

   Psalm 132: A prayer for God to remember David's hardships and to bless his descendants.

   Psalm 133: A short psalm celebrating the unity of God's people.

   Psalm 134: A call to bless the Lord, particularly addressed to the night-time worshippers in the Temple.

Everyone knows that taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a healthier choice, but recent research shows it can actually help you live longer.

A study by the European Society of Cardiology found that taking the stairs can lower your risk of dying from any cause by 24% and reduce your chances of dying from heart disease by 39%.

Plus, climbing stairs also helps lower the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Not bad for such a simple activity, right?

So just like ancient biblical peoples ascended for their spiritual benefit, use ascension for physical benefit.