Stepping into the In-between

A bit weary after working too many long hours editing and writing, I decided I needed to give myself an extra day off. Most people have a go-to activity or two when they have a stretch of free time. They bake or go fishing. They shop or visit a museum. They set up model trains or hike. Maybe they just putter around the house.

Call me weird—and my husband hangs on for dear life whenever this urge hits me—but I love to clean out closets and drawers and cabinets, and sometimes the garage. This time, I had additional incentive to step into a period rife with too much stuff and not enough space: I needed more places in closets to put off-season clothing, keepsakes, and old family photos currently stored in plastic containers under beds, where I let the inconvenience lead me to ignore the clothes as long as possible and the keepsakes and photos always. Three of our closets had potential, and I set my sights on them.

I’m not a true minimalist, but out went board games we hadn’t played for decades. Out went old, sorely frayed towels because, really, we have enough of them in case of a plumbing disaster. Out went that coat I finally admitted would look good only on someone else, even though it was “such a good brand.” Out went that decade-old can of Static Guard that we somehow packed when we moved seven years ago. Out went two bed pillows that were two pillows too many. Out went anything we didn’t need and would likely never need to replace.

In went a few organizing tools to promote ditching the unnecessary, the expired, and what was merely taking up space instead of giving us even a modicum of peace and joy. In went a plan to keep items from hiding under beds, to make what was left visible and useful, readily available.

Again, call me weird, but I felt good. Not just about the accomplishment, but about how renewed I felt after stepping into an intentional in-between to address a need and find help.

Stepping into a Spiritual In-Between

Sometimes we’re plunged into a waiting time that can be surprising or even shocking. Coming to terms with that reality isn’t easy, but it is a sign of spiritual growth. Ecclesiastes 8:6 (ESV) says, “There is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him,” and Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV) says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Learning to trust God in both frustrating and troubling circumstances, allowing him to see us through to whatever beauty he’s planned for us on earth or perhaps in eternity, is one of the keys to building a solid faith and experiencing a spiritually abundant life.

Intentionally stepping into a spiritual in-between time is different, taking a time-out we know we need in search of help. A time between realizing a need within us and coming out the other side stronger, more grounded, renewed. Maybe that time is counted in hours, like the ones I took that day that led me to a simple joy that fit me, satisfied my current need for a break, allowed me rejuvenation and a way forward. But it can also be more spiritual in nature: Taking extra time for prayer and careful consideration before important decision-making, to “not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17 ESV). A deliberate step in obedience to what I believe is one of the most significant commands the Lord gave in his Word: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 ESV). Sometimes it means taking the time for a physical retreat, away from people for more time alone with the Lord, for “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 6:1 ESV). For others, this time out can take years as God slowly but surely does his work.

But what happens when we need to step into a time of spiritual in-between and we don’t?

What We Can Lose—and Gain  

 I can tell you a few possible results of failing to intentionally step into a spiritual in-between time when we need it, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn you can name more.

• debilitating depletion: “I am poor and helpless” (Psalm 86:1 NCV).
• sin and conflict: “A grasping person stirs up trouble…” (Proverbs 28:25 MSG).
• blind foolishness: “Folly brings joy to one who has no sense…” (Proverbs 15:21 NIV).

The second part of these verses or following verses, however, can encourage us, for in these in-between times we can gain:

• an avenue for rescue: “My God, save me” (Psalm 86:2 NCV).
• renewed trust and well-being: “…trust inGod brings a sense of well-being” (Proverbs 28:26 MSG).
• wisdom and a way forward: “…whoever has understanding keeps a straight course” (Proverbs 15:21 ESV).

In an in-between time with God, out might go what we don’t need and will likely never need again. Out might go games we’ve played, trying to fool ourselves and others. Out might go old habits that only hinder growth. Out might go desires meant for someone else’s path. Out might go a burden we’ve dragged around for years. Out might go possessions more burden than joy. Out might go what only steals well-being.

In might go peace and discernment and wisdom and rescue—and yes, joy. In might go helps that will keep us from clinging to what we don’t need, put what belongs in the past in the past, and lift burdens not ours to carry.

Are you weary or troubled? Me too, sometimes. That’s when I need to remember I can humbly and intentionally step into an in-between time with the Lord, for whatever duration I need. I can’t get to the resolution on my own. Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Jean Kavich Bloom is a champion coffee drinker and a freelance editor and writer for Christian publishers and ministries. She doesn’t garden, bake, or knit, but insists playing Scrabble is exactly the same thing. Jean and her husband, Cal, live in central Indiana. They have three children (plus two who married in) and five grandchildren. She blogs at bloominwordstoo.blogspot.com.

Photograph © Leon Ell’, used with permission