I like to keep things moving, even in the wrong direction. Growing up, "suck it up and drive on," was a repeated family phrase. So when God tells me to slow down, I often find myself kicking and screaming about all the things that need to be done, yesterday! Some of these are things He's called me to do, after all.
When God lays something on my heart, I assume He means for me to get on with it. As in, right now. I forget about Moses tending sheep, Israelites wandering the desert, and David hiding in the hills. I forget that God moves differently than I do.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. —Isaiah 55:8
God has rhythm. Everything He's made pulsates to a beat: rolling tides, undulating breath, rotating planets, changing seasons. Light and energy move in rhythmic waves. Ask a quantum physicist and they will tell you that even atoms shimmy. This movement is both controlled and fluid, graceful and boundaried. To be sure, there are some sour notes, our "groans" after the Fall (Romans 8:22). Yet even so, all of creation is involved in God's beautiful dance, a symphony of light and sound.
God's rhythms for humanity can be found in His instructions to the Israelites regarding best practices for life. His commands to rest and feast during regular "appointed times" are an invitation to join Him in life's dance (Leviticus 23). (Would it be too much to say that God loves a good dance party?)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... —Ecclesiastes 3:1
We humans are not designed for endless exertion. Contractions are more productive when muscles relax in between. Our mind is more creative when we take a break from the task at hand. And we work better when we Sabbath. Waiting allows us to grow and prepare. It teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing and to enjoy the journey.
When we follow God's lead and relinquish ourselves to His rhythm, we find ourselves more free to dance. Admittedly, I often have two left feet when it comes to this kind of dancing. Still, I'm learning. And God is a patient instructor. Will you surrender yourself and dance?
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