Keep moving

Sometimes we are called to be still and trust in a Holy God.

Sometimes we are called to do what we can, "stand firm, and watch God move."

Other times, it seems that we are being pried from our safe places and launched into the deep unknown…and to trust a Holy God.

As I look back on 40-something years of living (over half of it seeking this wild and untamed God) it seems that at any given time, being still, doing what I can, and launching into the deep is the direction given.  

In moving to Gainesville for a season, I sensed God calling me to curl up next to him quietly and to trust his love.  At the same time, I kept tripping over verses that encouraged me to do what I could and then watch what God was doing (my favorite is 2 Chronicles 20:17). And then came the clear call to jump "all in" as the fleeing Israelites had to do when they crossed the river Jordan ahead of an angry army.

And these be-still, do, dive-in nudges would roll out simultaneously throughout the day -a sometimes dizzying weaving of direction.

As a brand new Jesus follower, I spent time digging around Isaiah – especially chapter 30.  

Isaiah 30:15 says that "in rest and relaxation is your salvation; in quietness and confidence is your strength." 

Isaiah 30:18 says, "Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" 

And then a little later in verse 21, it is written "whether you turn to the right or to the left, your  ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” 

Be still.  God is wanting to do something.  Follow and go.

Sometimes I just want to lay there like a dying cockroach and have God toss me back on my feet and move me 23 spaces to the conclusion of this game of Life.  No muss.  No fuss.  No wondering what he's up to.  Just do it, God.

Be still. God is wanting to do something. Follow and go.

Not being very wise or "non-rebellious," it's taken me long years to come to a shadow of understanding where these three threads of direction draw into one knot.

This thought persists
I have not been "blessed" with a great deal of talent, eye-hand coordination, or ability to follow directions.  I did "play" basketball and volleyball and soccer in high school and I remember my volleyball coach in Neu Ulm, Stu Arnot, always yelling something like "Keep Moving!"  Between his court side donkey kicks and clipboard tossing, this wisdom stuck with me.  Keep moving.  Stay light on your feet.  Always be ready.

He understood that it was easier for us to move and respond to the incoming ball if we were already objects in motion.  The force required to upend the normal forces, etc, for a body at rest were so much more than the forces required to change direction for moving feet and bodies already in motion.  

If we were already moving – even if it is just shuffling in place – we were already responding to the ball that had yet to be served.

I think about this often and not only when playing dodgeball, wiffleball, kickball, and volleyball as an adult.  I think about it at work and at home when gravity and inertia pull me down.  

And this is where the admonitions to rest, do what you can, and keep moving intersect.  Our lives are not isolated incidents in a given day.  Each moment, we respond to an internal and external environment.  We must keep moving, stay ready, and keep our eyes on a creative "coach" who created the game and the other players and coaches. 

One more analogy if you can bear it
God is like a conductor leading a well-woven symphony of rests and bursts and long notes.  While the woodwinds are working hard with fingers flying and reeds buzzing, the timpani momentarily rests, and the euphonium begins it first sound swells of the movement.  

God and his kids (us) do not exist in a single continuum of time and experience.  We are complex creatures of thought, action, feeling, history, future, and motivation.

The action of "being still" complements "doing what you can do and watching God move" while you follow the lead to "jump in." 

It is all summed up in this (I think): seek God. Stay ready. Be willing to obey the call to move. Keep your eyes on the conductor/coach. Rest.  Repeat.

Be still. God is wanting to do something. Follow and go.