The Art of Breaking -- MOVE!!

In continuing my posts from "The Art of Breaking" (An album by Thousand Foot Krutch), I was listening to the song Move. That's when I realized something profound. God is calling me to get up and move.

If I want to do something, I have to move.

Okay. Okay. Yes. I know. It sounds ridiculous that I had to actually think that coherent thought, and that it isn't just second nature. But think about it:

If I want a glass of water, I have to go to the kitchen to get it.

If I want a snack to eat, I have to go to the fridge and make it.

If I want to go to work (or at least, get the PAYCHECK), I have to drive there and put in the time.

I have to get up, dust off my britches (that word's for you, Cheryl) and MOVE!

Look, listen to my voice.
If you're making the choice,
Tell all the girls and the boys
"Either scream or rejoice
Let's make that noise
Either move or we'll all be destroyed"

MOVE
... and show me what you can do
When you step into the circle and shake like we do

MOVE
... when you just can't take it

MOVE
... if you just feel like breaking it

If you've read my previous posts on "The Art of Breaking", you know that they've pretty much mapped my life to present in song. Well, this song is no different.

It's time for me to move.

I can't just sit and say God will bless me. He will give me what I need, but if I want to be blessed, from here out, I am going to have to get up and go get it. But, to be blunt... I'm afraid. Not afraid that God will fail me. I've learned that God is faithful. The UTMOST in faithful. God will never fail me.

I'm afraid that I will fail. And sometimes, when you fear failure, you cease to act. It's easier to sit than it is to fail.

Back up and let go if you've never been here,
You've never been to the place inside, I face my fears,
It takes everything I am

But that's not what God has called us to do. He didn't call us to wait idly until he returns. He didn't say "Sit there." He didn't say to just be idle. He said MOVE! Get up! Go! Get out!

Isa 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Why the feet?

It's not the lips that are blessed for what we say.

It's not the hands that are blessed for writing down our thoughts and ideas, and even give those to others.

It's not the head that is blessed for the idea, for the prayer for the thoughts of purity or the good intention.

It's not the heart that is blessed for the care, concern, love and compassion.

It's the FEET. Because they cause the body to MOVE!

I come crashing to the floor
And I know there must be more
... like me
I've seen this all before,
I can't carry this anymore

I break free!

Breathe, and leave until the storm is over
'Cause underneath, there's a diamond passing over
So breathe, let's leave until the storm is over,

I want to take you away.

. . .

MOVE!

Guys, I'm asking that you hold me accountable. It's time for me to move.


Are you coming with me?

Humbly...

Does God need a nap?

Psalm 121 is a very short chapter.

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

That's it, in its entirety. But although it is small, there is so much truth in here about living your life day-in and day-out. One thing I've learned from KJ is that "nothing takes God by surprise", and this chapter is evidence of that. Yet, even in knowing that, I've forgotten what that phrase really means. I've grown complacent.

"He who watches over you will not slumber." There will never come a time when God's eyes are not on you, and you slip, and he isn't there to catch you and set things straight.

"The Lord is your shade at your right hand." Just like your shadow follows your body as you walk in the daylight, God is ever present. You may go about your business, not thinking about the shadow at your side, but that doesn't mean that the shadow goes away. In the same way, God is always there, whether you consciously register him or not. He is always, continually, without ceasing with you.

"The Lord will keep you from all harm." If he is always, continually, without ceasing watching you, and always, continually, without ceasing right there beside you and always, continually, without ceasing has his hand on you, then he can and will keep you safe.

I remember learning to ride my bike. My mother would stand behind me with one hand on my shoulder -- a warm loving hand that reassured me that she was there -- and another hand on the sparkly-big-blue banana seat. Yeah. I'm old.

As I pedaled, sometimes she would remove her hand from my shoulder, but she never let go of that seat. If I started to waver, there she was, setting me upright again. I never hit the ground, and I was never hurt.

How much more powerful is God? And how much more important the tasks that he is asking of us?

Father, in the past two weeks, I've become spiritually lazy. You've taken your hand from my shoulder, and I've considered that you have grown distant from me, or that you've taken a break from my life -- that somehow, you've grown tired or needed a nap. But you haven't. You are right here. Forgive me for doubting your sovereignty and might. Teach me again, Father as I submit my trust to you.