New Month, New SEason
Now concerning the times and the seasons . . .
you have no need to have anything written to you.
1 Thessalonians 5:1
In a recent newsletter, I shared about the sacramental act of offering our time to God, meaning (for me) extra time in my rocker on the lanai. I sat and rocked a couple of times a day, tuning into what God was up to. This month, there's a different rocker, and time alternates between Groundhog's Day and Beat the Clock.
How do we offer the gift of time to God—time to stop, look, and listen for his voice? How do we cultivate the right frame of mind in alternating cycles of hurry up and wait? Whether rocking, walking, or folding the laundry, we need time to gather our wits in his presence.
Lately I've been mulling over some psalms and the book of Habakkuk—verses like these:
+ Right living people sound best when praising (Psalm 33:1 MSG).
+ My times are in your hands (Psalm 31:15).
+ The revelation awaits an appointed time (Habakkuk 2:3).
My takeaways? Praise, trust, and wait.
Habakkuk had such a great attitude—start with praise before peppering God with questions, rants, and complaints. Remember who He is and what control He has over our times. Habakkuk had a great mindset—he remembered God's covenant and past interventions. But remembering didn't help him with his current complaint. Frustrated that God wasn't responding quickly enough, Habakkuk prayed that God would show up again. Then he took his position on the ramparts, resolving to watch and wait patiently as long as necessary for God to answer. Habakkuk had his faults, but at least Habakkuk expected God to show up.
Habakkuk is a tough act to follow, but I've tried. For decades. It takes years to build trust and perseverance. It takes muscle memory of the scriptures. But I remember Habakkuk's example and keep at it. Stop, look, remember, listen. Keep praise and thanks in place—they tamp down my gripes and complaints. I return to the psalms for more reminders. I rest in the security of God's sovereignty. He leads me beside still waters and gives me permission to take senior naps :) (Hey—Jesus slept through a storm on a boat!)
Every time has its purpose, whether it feels chaotic, urgent, or glacially slow. However it feels, the revelation awaits an appointed time. "Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and not delay" (Hab. 2:2).
Our offerings of time become acts of worship to God, who is working all things to the good. Sometimes the offerings look like folding the laundry, showing up at the desk, or showing up for others with a listening ear or a meal—the ministry of presence. If we're faithful in the small things, we'll be faithful in greater ones. If we learn to wait well, we see God show up.
Last month, I also shared a reflection from one of my writing buddies, as we discussed these offerings. As she wrote, Jesus prepares us in the waiting for when he pulls up to our rockers and says, "Ready to ride? I’ve got something to show you. I’m doing something in you.” (In case you missed it, see From Rocking to Riding).
I want to be ready. So I take my position on my ramparts of daily living and mundane tasks, vigilant to see what God wants to show me. Are you waiting too?
Let's be on time for God's calls. We'll need to set a steady pace for the long haul and remain vigilant. If we follow Christ, we're running a marathon. If there's a rocker in your world, sit and sync up with the Spirit. If there's no rocker, wait on the porch. Jesus will be along in due time. He won't force you to follow or run. He'll invite you to hop on.
For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:2