Dynamic Tension by Jonathan Rhoad

Dynamic tension is a favorite of mine. I enjoy watching TV shows that tread the line between comedy and drama; "Scrubs" is one of my favorites. I practice yoga, which has a lot of positions that hold two muscle groups against each other. I am a chemist, and chemical equilibrium is the dynamic tension of a forward reaction and backward reaction that have come into balance. The Trinity, one God that is three, is an idea full of dynamic tension that we get to wrestle until the curtain is pulled back, and we finally see God face-to-face.

We live in a world in upheaval, at times, that can make me feel anxious. I want to draw in, get away, and shut out the chaos. It is comforting to remember that God cares for us. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

But I must also remember that the upheaval is in part caused by injustice. Christ said in Luke 11:42, "Woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and love of God ..." In Psalm 82:3, we are commanded, "Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the afflicted and the destitute." So while I find inner peace in God's promises, I must keep that in dynamic tension with the lack of peace I should find in the injustice in the world.

In Joshua 1:9, it says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go." While our challenges are different than those faced by the Israelites as they entered the promised land, we too should have faith that, with God's help, we can work to get closer to His prayer that God's kingdom and justice would come to this earth.