I find rest in God; only he gives me hope. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated. My honor and salvation come from God. He is my mighty rock and my protection. People, trust God all the time. Tell him all your problems, because God is our protection. (Psalm 62:5-8)

When we trust God, we sit back and settle into his peace and presence at the same time we lean forward in anticipation of his leading. It seems as if we’d have to choose between leaning back and leaning forward, but the two go hand in hand.

The problem is we often want to respond in what’s most natural or comfortable to us. We want to lean back in order to be comfortable and safe. We want to lean forward in how we plan, what we think is best, and how we can control a situation. God really isn’t invested in any of those responses. His way isn’t comfortable. Sure, we can get comfortable with the uncertainty of seeking and following God’s will, but it’s not comfort as we would define it. And God’s will is certainly not safe. We can be secure in who he is and who he says we are, but security and safety aren’t synonymous. And as far as leaning forward in how we plan, what we think is best, and how we can control a situation…well, our planning, thinking, and controlling doesn’t even begin to compare with God’s. The best we can plan is to intentionally seek and follow God. The best we can think is on the things of God. The best we can control is our focus on God.

Consider how you need to sit back and settle into God’s peace and presence.

Consider how you need to lean forward in anticipation of God’s leading.

You don’t have to choose. God intends for you to experience both. It’s time to settle into anticipation!