Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow
Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might…
2 Samuel 6:14 (NIV)
Some would say life is a dance. Sometimes it’s slow, slow, and then at other times it is quick, quick, then slow again. The ballroom dance called the foxtrot is danced to these steps: slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.
I have two left feet, but fortunately for me my late husband had a good sense of rhythm and I could follow his lead in dancing. The tempo of the foxtrot has led me to a fun Bible study that I would like to share with you.
Slow: in Psalm 145:8 we learn that, ‘The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.’
Slow: the writer of Psalms tells us, ‘But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.’ (Psalm 86:15 NASB 1995)
Quick: in Ecclesiastes 7:9 we are cautioned about our temper: ‘Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.’
Quick: however, our loving Father in heaven quickly attends us when we call on Him: “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8).
Slow: and finally we learn that God is not slow in this dance: ‘The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’ (2 Peter 3:9).
Through this ‘dance’ we come to see that God is patient with us, guiding and leading us,
and in this dance, let us be sure to have the right partner: Jesus.
Let Jesus lead us toward repentance, salvation, and glory!
Prayer
Great wonderful God, help us to stay close to you and allow you to lead us in the dance of life. Amen
Study by Irene Wilson
About the writer:
Irene Wilson is a Deaconess in the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International, and also serves on the Pastoral Council.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford, Herts.
WD24 7HF
Meeting time:
Saturday 11am
Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email: watford@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church