I am on week four of my decompression table sessions.

The purpose of the decompression table is, of course, to remedy a compressed nerve, which has been pressed down by its surrounding bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons and can be caused by a host of issues—from repetitive movements to injury or trauma to body changes.

So how does it work? 

Well, for starters, before you even get on the table, you have to stop doing anything that will continue or exacerbate the compression. Then they strap you in. 

The first five sessions are warm-ups, to gradually get your muscles used to the movement so that they don’t fight it. After that the fun begins. Sort of like a roller coaster, the table begins to stretch you in increments, then release you a bit, then stretch you again. Thirty minutes. (I think I’m taller now.)

The idea is not necessarily to recreate all that space between your vertebrae. Though that would be nice, that won’t happen though you will gain some. The idea is to get the disc, that rubbery cushion pad, to start working again. It is your shock absorber. When the disc is compressed it won’t re-inflate. It stays flat. So now it needs to be taught to compress and then decompress. Back and forth. Back and forth.

We are both physical and spiritual beings and because of God's infinite wisdom, the lessons of the body translate to lessons of the spirit. 

How often do we feel compressed by the worries and demands of this life until the weight or pain of it is difficult to bear and we find ourselves immobilized, unable to move. In this case, our faith has been paralyzed. And just like a compressed nerve, we must take the same action. First, stop what we are doing and rest. Then we begin decompression sessions to rehydrate and reteach our “disc of faith” how to move. And the only way to do that is to get back in touch with God. He tells us as much. 

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Psalm 37:7 

God was not in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "low whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11-12 

Deuteronomy provides a wonderful verse to help us decompress and revitalize our faith. (emphasis mine)

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God. He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

So if you feel your faith has been compressed. If you are burdened by the weight of the world, then lay on your spiritual decompression table. Breathe in his faithfulness, breath our your love and obedience. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. And your disc of faith will be restored.