"Gallop"

Can’t live life at a gallop,

More like walk, trot, lope,

It’s a big relief to know that,

And gives me lots of hope.

Those old TV westerns,

We watched when we were kids,

The cowboys rode at breakneck speed,

That’s just what they did.

I guess that’s when it started,

The hurried, frantic pace,

Always pushing faster,

To get to the next place.

Whoa, son, try to rein it back,

Slow down so you get more,

Of all that life can give you,

And all God has in store.

‘Cause you’ll run past the blessing,

And get so far ahead,

Of what the Lord is planning,

And all the things He’s said.

So like the horse you’re riding,

Teaching him to cue,

To just pay attention,

What you ask him to do.

It’s a timely, patient process,

That keeps a steady pace,

Not about a short-cut,

Or fast running in a race.

Listen to the Spirit,

Savor what you feel,

Stay tuned in to Jesus,

Stay honest and be real.

And you will find the hurry,

No longer is your need,

Not driven ever faster,

Success is not your speed.

“…be filled with the Spirit…” (Ephesians 5:18, NLT)

Being filled with the Spirit is not the same as being busy, even with the Lord’s work. Being filled means we are led and controlled by the Spirit. Sometimes He moves us quickly, but not always. In this culture, people move at a frantic pace that is ultimately unhealthy. Being filled, being led by the Spirit means we make the most of every opportunity and are much more productive than we would otherwise be. We don’t get ahead of the Lord’s schedule or fall behind in His timing. He sets the pace and we follow. It’s the best way to live.

Lord, fill us with Your Spirit and set the pace for our lives, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, timcox.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.