"Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?" (Psalm 49:5) Sleep, walk
The days of evil? It would seem that we walk through seasons. Through uptimes and downtimes that coincide with numerous others. Cycles that include "for better" and "for worse". Days of good and "days of evil". There's always something going on in God's kingdom. And when we put into motion, wheels of circumstances that we then have no control over, the best thing to do is cry out to God that He would allay the results that we are (now) responsible for. The psalmist in this case didn't worry about what he caused, only that he was moving forward and trusting God for the outcome. God cares about what we do and where we're going. As He is logistically perfect, He'll integrate you seamlessly into what He's doing in your area and your past will effectively be behind you.
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
Swathed and swaddled
So keep walking. After the disciples fell asleep "the third time", Jesus moves on and says "Rise up, let us go" (Mark 14:41-42). There were lessons to be learned from falling asleep at the wheel, so to speak, and those lessons would be learned sooner or later. But Jesus is walking. How many times does He say to "follow me"? Reminder after reminder. Where's He going? This is where trust comes in. In retrospect to certain seasons of my life, I realize that God was carrying me through. So whether you are following in the footsteps (the Old English root of swathe comes from footprint) or being carried like a baby--awake or asleep--purposely endeavor to keep moving. This doesn't negate the notion of "waiting on the Lord" or "being still and knowing God is God". Work it out as you move along.
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. [They] that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing [their] sheaves with [them]." (Psalm 126:5-6)
Nor does it cancel, in closing, the concept of atonement and forgiveness and saying sorry. Those things work wonders. And are essential. It's ideal, as one "shall doubtless come again" that we ensure others can start out on the path and put their best foot forward.
