Vern didn’t want to get up this morning. He lingered on the bed until I lifted him down, only for him to retreat to the doggy bed. Once situated, the weight of his head was almost too much. His eyes closed and he just sat there in a stupor. Thankfully, he was willing to move when my husband asked him if he wanted his breakfast. If he hadn’t, he would have missed his favorite pastime, a walk around the neighborhood.
How often do we linger in one place too long? Lot, Abraham’s nephew was known for his lingering. Genesis 19:16 states only three words. “But he lingered.” Everyone has read the story of Lot’s wife looking back and turning into a pillar of salt. But rarely do we hear about Lot and the choices he made.
Years earlier, Uncle Abraham gave Lot a massive number of livestock and even gave him the choice of where to take them to graze. Lot chose Sodom for the lush green pastures. But Sodom was also known for the wickedness of its people. Apparently Lot didn’t seem to mind. War broke out against Sodom and he was taken captive. Once he was rescued by his uncle, Lot chose to go right back to his life in Sodom.
Again and again, Lot lingered in this place of wickedness for way too long. Finally, angels come to town and warn Lot that the Lord is getting ready to destroy the city. But even with the warning, Lot lingers. It isn’t until the angels take Lot and his family by the hand and force them to leave, that Lot finally moves.
I wish I could tell you that Lot lived happily ever after, but he doesn’t.
Lingering is when we stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave. This state of mind can reach beyond the physical and even be spiritual or emotional. Is there a decision you need to act on but you are lingering in the present? Have you hesitated and become stuck?
Lingering can hinder our wellbeing and keep us from the purpose God has set before us. Let the story of Lot help move us on. As for Vern, his decision to get out of bed allowed him the opportunity to experience his walk and enjoy playing with his sister Bee.
