When to settle – and when not to

We’ve been stuck in this holding pattern for a while now. Things we thought were going to be temporary haven’t been. What we thought would be brief has been long and drawn out, maybe even uncomfortable. So what do we do in the mean time? Do we just settle for this less than ideal existence? Well, yes. And no.

Not normal

I struggled in the beginning. I still have moments. This time we are in right now is not normal. It doesn’t feel normal. This isn’t the way it used to be. The previous patterns have started to fade in the distance. Some of those experiences barely a memory. Oh, remember when we used to… how we used to…

These temporary circumstances don’t feel quite so temporary anymore.

Supposed to be

What if we’re supposed to be doing something with this time? Instead of waiting it out, wading into whatever we thought was supposed to be a brief inconvenience. Stepping into the mess, complexity, and uncertainty of navigating a new way to be in this moment.

New routine

I’ve had to establish a new routine, perspective, way of looking at things, and going about things. The longer I spend in this in between place, the more I sense I’m supposed to grow roots, establish myself where I am.

Growing phase

This is not a passing phase, but a growing phase. A place and time to adapt, grow, learn, and live deeply into our circumstances.

Sustainable

Don’t settle for a passing phase. Make the most of this time and establish new habits and patterns that are sustainable and life-giving.

Establish deeper roots

What if we’re in this place of personal purgatory so God can establish deeper roots in our hearts?

Will we settle into a space to receive more deeply from Jesus?

Will we rest in the Word of God, let it enter our hearts and develop roots, and grow deeply into our being?

Improve

Maybe we’re not supposed to settle for getting by but to improve.

Become better.

How would we look at this time if that were our goal?

A new normal. Finding a pattern, a path, a plan in the midst of unstable ground.

Is the ground unstable or is my view of it unstable?

Settle in

When God sent the Israelites into exile in a foreign land He didn’t tell them to stand in the corner until the time out was over. He told them to get to work about setting up and settling in.

^“This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies, the God of Israel, says to all those people he sent away from Jerusalem as captives to Babylon:

‘Build houses and settle in the land. Plant gardens and eat the food you grow.’” Jeremiah 29:4-5 ICB

What are you feeding yourself? What are you filling up on?

Establish good habits

God wanted the people to establish roots in their lives, both literally and figuratively. Create sustainability. This was not going to be a temporary holding pattern. The people under these circumstances were to go about their lives under their new normal conditions.

In these patterns they were to establish good habits. Peace-building habits.

^“Also do good things for the city where I sent you as captives. Pray to the Lord for the city where you are living. If there is peace in that city, you will have peace also.” Jeremiah 29:7 ICB

So in this season when so much is on hold, postponed, or delayed, don’t delay in establishing patterns of peace, prayer, and doing good things.

A few recent posts about peace and priorities:

Finding peace and priority in the presence of Jesus

In between – the place we find Jesus

In the middle – where to focus in the midst of change