Hold the Line

There were so many things to remember. It was the first time I’d gone downhill skiing. I was a kid and thought it was a good idea to start on the hill with the tow rope! Like anything new, it was a bit overwhelming at first, trying not to forget any one thing and end up falling over on the ground!

1. Be ready to move toward the rope.
2. Don’t cross your skis, as you move.
3. Keep your skis parallel to each other, side by side.
4. Let the rope glide through your hands.
5. When you’re ready, hold on tight, and don’t let go until you reach your destination.
6. Bend your knees to absorb any bumps as well as keep you upright and balanced.
7. Keep your eyes focused on what’s ahead, as you move.
8. When you reach the top, keep moving, and get out of the way!

When I think back, there is so much of this that translates spiritually. If you’re rolling your eyes right now, you aren’t alone; someone made a comment once about my desire to pray about everything. This would be one of those moments, like…”Really?!? It’s…skiing!” I see a parallel, though, if you would indulge me for a couple minutes.

We talked, last post, about a rope being a symbol of strength. In this case, I’m looking at the rope as representing God.

The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare Him a habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Exodus 15:2 KJV

1. Be ready to move; move toward the LORD.

“Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!”

1 Chronicles 16 11 ESV

2. Don’t mix up obedience and disobedience, as you move.

“For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their actions are against the Lord–to rebel against His glorious presence. The expression of their faces testifies against them, and they display their sin like Sodom; they do not even conceal it. Woe to them! For they have done evil to themselves.”

Isaiah 3:8-9 NASB

3. Keep your ways in line with God’s, side by side.

“In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”

Proverbs 3:6 AB

4. Let God set up the work of your hands.

“And let the pleasantness of our God, YHWH, be on us, and establish on us the work of our hands. Indeed, establish the work of our hands!”

Psalm 90:17 LSV

5. Hold on tight to God, and don’t let go.

“My soul clings to You. Your right hand supports me.”

Psalm 63:8 GWT

6. Bend your knee to God in submission; He will help absorb any “bumps” in life as well as keep you upright and balanced.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Proverbs 3:5 ESV

[Bend to His will and authority.]

7. Keep your eyes focused on what’s ahead, as you move.

“Let your eyes look straight ahead and your sight be focused in front of you.”

Proverbs 4:25 GWT

“Make the path for your feet level, so that all your ways may be established. Do not turn [toward] the [dry valley on your] right or the [cover of darkness on your] left; turn yourself away from evil.”

Proverbs 4:26-27 NETB

8. Keep moving, and get out of the way of others!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33 ESV

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but, in humility, consider others more important than yourselves.”

Philippians 2:3

Which of these steps do you find the hardest?

Feel free to reply; I’d love to pray for you! Let’s join, as a Liv community, and move forward toward God together.