The Middle English phrase “God spede” meant “may God cause you to succeed.” People used to wish one another Godspeed as they set off on a mission, journey or project. It is a wish for success and favor on the journey.
When I hear Godspeed, my mind goes to the notion of pace as well - may you find success at the pace of God, enjoying both His favor and His pace or timing.
I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately - living life at the speed of God.
I’m convinced that God’s speed is far slower than ours, not because of His capacity, but His lack of urgency and His understanding of the big picture - no reason to panic. I think the speed of God is best demonstrated in the life of Jesus and, even though walking was normative then, I think that walking pace is just about right for Godspeed.
The average person walks about 3 miles per hour.
I’ve been experimenting with slowing my pace to a figurative walking pace - mentally, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. It’s a bit stressful and difficult at first, but it’s changing me and bringing calm confidence into my world.
John Ortberg tells the story of seeking spiritual guidance from Dallas Willard. After pouring out a rapid and extensive description of his current reality, John heard Dallas pause for a bit and say, “You must eliminate hurry from your life.” John wrote that down quickly and replied, “OK. What else?” Willard replied, “There is nothing else.”
Slow down. Be in every moment and be in it with the awareness of God’s Presence with you. Look. Listen. Consider. Slow your pace and eliminate hurry.
Perhaps this is one of the secrets of Jesus for our lives - to do our life at the speed of God, with God and without hurry.