Shifting Gears

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

For twenty years, I commuted from Franklin, TN, where I live, to my work in downtown Nashville. Since the onset of COVID, my company has moved to a ‘work from anywhere’ environment, so I only travel on the interstate during rush hour traffic occasionally. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in such a place. The traffic was heavy and slow, and I was thankful for not having to be in the middle of it every day. 

As I sat in stalled traffic at one point, I looked down and noticed the gear shift. I was reminded that understanding the gears was one of the most basic and essential parts of learning to drive a vehicle. I also had memories of learning to drive, practicing my driving, studying for the permit test, taking that test, and taking the driving test. The driving test was intimidating and scary since I was driving with a policeman in the car. The one thing that I knew would cause me to fail the driving test was to end up with one or both wheels on the curb when parallel parking, so I made sure that did not happen by being plenty far from it! I passed on the first attempt. 

Driving is one of those everyday tasks that we often take for granted. Much like driving, life is not lived in just one gear. Our spiritual journey has its rhythms, slowdowns, stalls, speed ups, and steep climbs—and God is present in every shift. Each gear on a gear shift represents a phase of life. 

Park

When a vehicle is in park, it is usually turned off and in rest mode. Park may represent two different seasons. 

One of these is a time of stillness and rest. In this phase, we stop striving and cease from constant activity. It is a time of seeking and surrender, when we let go of the wheel and trust God to be in control. This phase allows us to recharge and reconnect with God so we do not miss what He has for us. 

Be still, and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10

Park may also represent a time when we become too comfortable, with a ‘set in our ways’ mentality, unwilling to move.  We become too complacent and lackadaisical about life and our spiritual journey. This phase is dangerous. We should never get to the point that we are not seeking the Lord’s will and direction in life, and are unwilling to move if needed. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Neutral

When a vehicle is in neutral, the engine is running without engagement. Neutral can also have a double meaning. 

This phase may be one of waiting, which does not mean inactivity. There is anticipation for what is next and readiness to go when given direction. We must trust that God has a plan and purpose for us and wants to make that known. And when He does, we must be willing to shift gears and move.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

Neutral may also mean a season of drifting, unsure of a decision or direction to take. It may be a season of questioning our faith or searching for meaning in life. Staying too long in neutral can lead to stagnation unless we choose to re-engage with purpose. 

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. - Revelation 3:15-16

Reverse

A vehicle is shifted into reverse to back up. Sometimes, it is necessary. In our lives, we may need to look back, repent, or retrace our steps to make a course correction. Growth and moving on may involve facing the past, healing from it, and leaving it in the past. The danger comes when we choose to live in the past, not letting it go, and just staying there. 

Therefore, repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out. - Acts 3:19

Drive

We are ready to move forward when we put our vehicle in drive. Most of our time in our cars is spent with the gear shift in drive. In life, this is where we are meant to be most of the time, moving forward with direction and intention. Our spiritual lives are about living with purpose, walking in faith, seeking and growing, and following God. And, if we live in this phase most of the time, our lives will be one big adventure overflowing with joy, peace, gratitude, and so many amazing opportunities. 

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1

Whether in a season of stillness, reflection and repentance, indecision, or purposeful living, the key is knowing that God is in control and trusting Him to guide the shift.

Call to Action

Which one of the gear phases noted above do you find yourself in? Do you need to shift to a different gear? If so, what do you need to do to make that happen?

Take an intentional drive into the countryside or somewhere not busy or hectic, and focus on listening to God through nature.

Create a vision board of what it looks like to be in drive in your spiritual walk—goals, dreams, Scriptures, etc. 

Spend some time looking back, seeing what you have learned and all that God has done for you. 

Digging Deeper

Check out these additional Scripture verses: Psalm 27:14, Hebrews 12:1, Proverbs 1:32, Romans 12:2, Matthew 11:28, 2 Peter 1:5-8, John 10:10, Isaiah 43:18-19.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust Your timing and direction. Teach me to shift with You, not in my strength and timing but by Your Spirit. 

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens