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).

7 Comments

  1. Joan, you commented on my blog and so I thought I'd visit yours. I loooove it! You're so talented and so open! Keep writing and ministering!

    ~Alex
    http://www.journey-to-beauty.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Alex! What a blessing =)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Joan,
    I linked over to your blog after you left a comment on my first-ever printed devotional at P31 ministries. I am in awe of the words you have written above, as they reflect exactly the path that I trod. Following my own ways instead of the Father's, I found only confusion, pain and turmoil in my life - you described it perfectly. Now that I have my eyes fixed solely on Jesus, peace again floods my being and I can see with a new pair of eyes.
    His direction, wisdom, and ultimately His forgiveness have redirected my path to a more fulfilled life in Him. Praise be to God!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Colleen & Alex! I must say that my prayer was that in starting this blog God would somehow bless others through what I wrote...But, I have discovered something wonderful: He has blessed me through the feedback I have received! What a gift! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Powerful post, Joan. Oh, how true your words ring true - how often have I gotten out of sync with my heavenly Father, because I felt my way was better.

    Love & peace,
    Iris

    ReplyDelete
  6. Amazingly awesome post.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMay 07, 2010

    oh wow! I love this post. So good. Have a read of this gorgeous poem. I think you'll like it.

    http://princessjo-anne-blessed.blogspot.com/2010/03/dancing-on-daddys-toes.html

    Jo
    xo

    ReplyDelete

Join the conversation! (Be sure to add your first name so I know who I'm talking to!)