The other day I was rounding the corner for home at the end of the day and I had a surprising thought float through my head: “This feels normal!” The movement of my truck, the traffic pattern, the angle of the sun, the music on the radio, and the feeling in my heart. It felt remarkably normal.
Just as surprising was the next thought: “Don’t fall for it!” Let’s be honest, there hasn’t been much normal these past several months and, apparently, my subconscious was trying to protect my heart from the sometimes-hurtful blow of the next abnormal experience.
I have become increasingly aware of the guarded position my heart has taken during this pandemic. I’ve always known that I enjoy routine but the guarded posture of my heart has been an eye-opening discovery. Being on guard:
- Means that I am expecting something to happen that I need to defend against.
- Takes extra energy.
- Removes my focus from the task at hand or person in front of me.
- Prevents me from fully trusting that the Lord is capable of protecting me.
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
It takes courage to trust the Lord for the future, whether it is the next year, next big event, or simply the next step. Strangely, it takes strength to let go and relax into the loving arms of Jesus. But I think this is even more difficult when we’ve experienced frequent or intense times of hurt or loss. It is human nature to strike a protective posture. It takes the Holy Spirit to relax into the Lord’s covering.
I think this is one of the reasons why I love Joshua 1:9. First, we are reminded that this is a command, not an option. Second, we are immediately instructed to be strong and courageous, not cooperating with fear. Why? Because we are never without the Lord our God! No matter what we’ve experienced in our lifetime, week, or during this pandemic, He is always with us! And while He never promised us a life without struggle, He has promised to be with us through it. No matter how good we are at being on guard, there is no place safer than in His presence.
So, my precious friend, let your shoulders relax. Take a deep breath. Go ahead and fully enjoy the moment. Exchange your on guard posture with your strong and courageous stance, confident that your heavenly Daddy is always by your side.
You are adored.
You Are Adored 