“You came near whenever I called you; you said, “Do not be afraid.” Lamentations 3:57 CSB
Years ago I had the opportunity to go to the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, NY. By Divine Providence, I ended up watching Roger Federer, arguably the greatest tennis player ever, practice. Not only did I get to watch him practice, I was close, just yards from him. I watched as he moved onto the court with his team. I saw as he sat down in the chair closest to the net, opening his newspaper to read. His hitting partner sat behind him; he knew to go to his chair and wait until Roger was ready. After perusing the paper, Roger folded it, grabbed his racquet and walked to the baseline. As if on que, his hitting partner stood up and walked to the other baseline, not a word was exchanged. I’ve never forgotten that moment. Everyone knew their roles, they did what the were supposed to do, all in perfect harmony. Our relationship with God can have the same harmony.
When we call on Him, He draws near. He moves, just as Roger’s hitting partner, exactly where He needs to be. But He doesn’t move until we call on Him. Often, our fears make us forget our Father. When we let them rule our thoughts we forget who we have to call on in the midst of the turmoil. The more we remember to call on Him, the more harmony we will have in our lives. Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT).
The harmony comes from trusting Jesus that His yoke is easy to bear, His burden light. He’s waiting, just as Roger’s hitting partner, for us to move. He’ll teach us His ways, which are humble and gentle. We will find rest when we put on His yoke. The more we find harmony with Jesus, the more our relationship will require less words and more motion. Just as no words were spoken between Roger and his hitting partner, we’ll need less words with God as we know Him better. Each day we seek Him, we’ll move more naturally with Him. But first we have to move closer. When we move closer to Him, He comes near. And when He is near, we need not be afraid.
