It seems at times that the world is always in such a big hurry, such a rush to go here and to do this and that. When compared with the pace of the Father, the two are almost complete opposites.
What do I mean by the “pace of the Father”? Well, I mean the speed at which God moves (not that He is too slow and can’t keep up), but there is something about the timing and the patience of God. I believe that if we look at nature we can get a better idea of this.
Do you ever notice how nature, which I believe is much closer to God’s creation, seems to move at such a quieter, more gentle pace than the world? The hustle and bustle of the big city can be quite dramatic and overwhelming, some may even like it, and I’m not saying that God can’t work in these situations. He is everywhere, no matter where you are. It’s all part of His creation.
1 Kings 19:11-12 “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”
When the Prophet Elijah heard God, the Lord was in the “still small voice”, not in the hustle and bustle of the wind, earthquake and fire. Now, this doesn’t mean that we can’t hear God anywhere, but it does show the nature of God and the way I believe that He communicates a lot of the time. The world is used to the “hustle and bustle”, but God is still and gentle. Almost like a bird on a pond. Which is interesting because the Word of God uses a dove to represent the Holy Spirit many times.
It’s interesting to note that when we look at most of the modern world we live in today, so much of it resolves around the notion of instant gratification. Everything is faster and cheaper; microwaves, jet liners, mobile phones, etc. etc. which are not all bad things, but it is interesting to see how they begin to cater to a lifestyle that is constantly on the move at a rapid pace that doesn’t slow down.
So what can we do in this world that runs to and fro? Well, I suggest taking time out, at least once a day to get alone with the Father. Prayer is excellent “quality time” to spend with God and will brighten your day. Even the peace of the Holy Spirit can bring peace in the most disastrous situations (remember Christ on the boat in the storm? (See Mark 4:35-39) There is a peace found in God in Jesus Christ, even during the most tumultuous times. This is the peace of God, a peace that passes our very understanding.
So let’s slow it down and keep pace with the Father. Remember, slow and steady wins the race! God Bless.
This is a great example of one of the great freedoms God gifts us with. He tells us to slow down and not to worry.
Your posts are very meaty and clear.
Thank you for all the wonderful comments on my blog. I need that kind of encouragement.
Peace.