Hibernating And Recalibrating
It is never too late to recalibrate.
‘Hibernating & Recalibrating’, these words rang in my spirit at the start of the new year as I sought direction for a new stage in my life. I had not sought God fully for a vision for 2023 as I usually do at the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, which begins in September. The insight I received, however, aligned with my plans to completely submerge myself in rest while recalibrating my path in my new season.
Although the word was personal to me, I strongly sensed in my spirit to address this much-needed topic. First, however, I had to do away with what I had already started writing about.
Initially, it did not make sense to me. I imagined that by the time this article would be published, it would no longer be relevant to the public as the season of seeking God for the new year would end. Little did I know I would finish it just after Lent started- another reflection time for many. One that is also often associated with new beginnings as we enter spring.
I remembered that we operate in cycles; as one ends, another begins. Therefore, I was reminded that it is never too late to recalibrate and seek divine direction for what lies ahead.
“LORD, let me know my end, And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am. (Psalm 39:4-5, NASB)
How do you create headspace? What areas in your life do you need to re-align with your God-given path? How are you going to do so?
Involve your Maker in your plans.
Sometimes we are forced to recalibrate when we are presented with new challenges or because we failed to involve our Maker in our plans in the first place. Therefore, I want to remind you how I was inspired to write this article. We may make our plans, but ultimately, God is the one who orders our steps (Proverbs 16:9).
We may have received countless confirmations regarding our calling. We may have ticked off most of our aspirations written in our vision journals (Hab 2:2), but we need to learn more. We don’t always receive insight into what kind of trials we will face tomorrow (1 Peter 4: 12). “For we only know and prophesy in part” (1 Cor 13:19).
It is, therefore, crucial as followers of Christ that we commit our ways to Him (Prov 16:3, Psalm 37:5). King David is a classic example of this as he always asked the Lord for counsel before going into battle:
So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:8, KJV)
Nonetheless, there was a time when the king failed to seek God about his decision to take the day off, as mundane as it seemed. Remember the series of disastrous choices he made and the consequences he endured as a result? In summary, he committed adultery with Bathsheba, a married woman he saw bathing from his rooftop. Then, when he found out she was pregnant, he arranged for her husband to be killed – one of his loyal soldiers. As a result, he lost that child as a punishment (2 Samuel 11).
As life’s curveballs and the consequences of our actions hit us, we must exercise flexibility and recalibrate. This may be mental, spiritual or whatever area of life is necessary.
Thankfully we serve a God whose ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Suppose we are seated in heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6) and are encouraged to boldly enter His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). In that case, it means that we have access to His divine perspective (2 Peter 1:3). ‘How?’ you might ask? Ask for what we need in prayer (Matthew 7:7) and cultivate our relationship with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14, NKJ)
When we do fail, He is ready to abundantly pardon us provided that we turn to Him and forsake our wicked ways (Isa 55:7). God, rich in His grace and mercy, appointed Solomon – the only child of King David and Bathsheba – to inherit the throne after him, even though he was not the first in line to it (1 Chronicles 28:6-7). Besides, Solomon was privileged to build God’s first temple and was known as the wisest king ever (1 Kings 4:29-34). Solomon was conceived after David acknowledged his sin and repented before God (Psalm 51). Never underestimate the power of repentance. David ‘recalibrated’ by repenting, and God restored that situation. Although, David wasn’t exempt from facing dire consequences due to his actions.
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 ESV
Recognising appointed times of rest.
Luke 10:38-42, NKJV
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
We live in a world full of distractions. Of course, some of us cope with them better than others, yet we all need to take time off at some stage to rest and sit at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39).
We are biologically designed to rest physically daily. Sleep depravity can cause a low immune system, decreased focus and productivity and even mental health issues. But there is another type of rest that we need: Rest for our souls, which Jesus promises we will receive when we go to Him with our burdens and heavy loads (Matthew 11:28).
In Genesis 2:2-3, God modelled to us a pattern of rest. The Sabbath day was later established under the Mosaic law (Exodus 20:8-11). Although there is no obligation to observe the Sabbath according to the new testament (Rom 14:5-6), there is a reason why it was modelled for us. So honour God by setting time aside for Him and looking after your temple.
I have personally experienced symbolic ‘Sabbath years’ or sabbatical years, which occurred every seven years after I gave my life to Christ (Leviticus 25:1-12). In hindsight, I saw a pattern and perceived that they had been divinely appointed to me. Like Martha, I was concerned with many things during those seasons because I failed to recognise God’s divine timing. But first, I needed to fully understand who was in the room with me (Luke 10:38).
The men of the tribe of Issachar were anointed to discern the times and to know what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32). As you read this, may you receive discernment to recognise your seasons. May you know what to do as you involve the Father in your plans.
May you understand the times that we are living in. Finally, may you receive the anointing of Jesus to rest in the middle of the storms of life in Jesus name. Amen.
