The Dance with My Father
I learned to love dancing at an early age. Both of my parents were avid dancers and I would accompany them on many of their outings. Under the guidance of my father, one of the first things I learned was to allow him to lead. I learned to be attuned to the gentle pressure of his fingertips on my back or the slightest movement of his hand around mine. If I ever tried to do a step without following his leading, I would stumble and get out of sync with him. The cohesive flow between us would cease and the dance would become awkward and shaky. But at those times, my father would patiently guide me back into step.
I have found it to be the same with my heavenly Father. As I have moved across the dance floor of my life, there have been times when I have chosen to ignore my Father’s leading. I have chosen my own path rather than following the one God had placed before me. Through my foolish pride I have not always trusted His directions. Sometimes it has been out of enthusiasm that I have been caught up in my own plans and have gone my own way. But at other times it has been out of direct disobedience to Him. The result of both has been the same. When I have failed to trust that God’s way was the best way I have gotten out of sync with Him and ceased to feel the peace that comes through His heavenly rhythm in my life.
Being out of step with God is exhausting, confusing and full of turmoil and pain. It is only by allowing Him to lead us that we can find true peace. “Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper” (Psalm 37:4).
When we have stumbled and forgotten how to dance with Him, He is still there, offering to guide us back into step. Our Father’s Word is trustworthy. Through it He offers direction and wisdom when we are lost and confused. He offers forgiveness when we have stumbled and fallen and He will gently pick us back up and continue to guide us…if only we allow Him to lead.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Living for Him,
Lovely analogy, Joan. Proverbs 3:5-6 are two of my favorite verses. You’ve helped me to see it through new eyes.
So true, Joan. If we step out of His will, He is still there and willing to guide us. I love the Proverbs you have quoted here and they have giving me often comfort.