This has been the theme in my life for the last few weeks. Learning..growing..moving forward..continuing to do new things with the Lord. Being stuck is awful..we feel dried up and used up. God never wants us to stay in that place. He is the living water..He is always breathing new life into our tired bodies and spirits.
Eugene Peterson describes two beautiful words in his book ” A Long Obedience In The Same Direction.” The first is shalom and the second is shalvah. Shalom’s meaning is more than the English word peace. His definition ” it gathers all aspects of wholeness that result from God’s will being complete in us. It is the work of God that when complete, releases streams of living water in us and pulsates with eternal life.” What a beautiful picture of our life with Christ.
“Shalvah’s root meaning is leisure. The relaxed stance of one who knows that everything is all right because God is over us, with us and for us in Jesus Christ…it is the leisure of the person who knows that every moment of our existence is at the disposal of God, lived under the mercy of God.” Beautiful words written by an author who spent decades unraveling the mysteries of the Hebrew and Greek languages. A teacher who draws us to the feet of Jesus..our ultimate rabbi who longs to teach us everything we need to know.
What is His voice saying to you? How are you feeding your spirit and your mind these days? Are you seeking ways to connect with Him..to learn from Him..to receive all the amazing things He has for you? It is a lifetime committment and a daily adventure to stay in that place with Him. Yes it is a long obedience in the same direction!
“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep growing in knowledge and understanding.”
Alicia's Roses 