Rhythms
What comes to mind when you think of “rhythms?” Perhaps a song with a jazzy beat that compels you to bob to the bass? Have you ever considered your life rhythms? Lately the word “rhythm” has taken on a whole new, life changing meaning for me. Rhythm is defined as “movement, fluctuation, or variation marked by the regular occurrence or natural flow of related elements.” When I read Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message translation the words “unforced rhythms of grace” captivate me.
I realize that my life consists of rhythms that have become my defaults. They are the things I do daily that come as naturally as breathing. For example, upon waking, I let my dog out, unload the dishwasher to the tune of my coffee maker brewing, and then take that hot cup of happiness and spend some alone time with Jesus. That is my morning rhythm. And if I miss a beat, things may get wonky. Whether you are cognizant of it or not, your life is made up of rhythms too.
The Cycles of Life
Things that grow, grow in cycles (or rhythms). Consider nature. Nature flows with the cycles of the seasons. It adjusts accordingly as the Earth revolves around the sun. Can we appreciate the seasons of life as gracefully as nature? Can we learn to dance with the Holy Spirit through the transitions of the human condition in “unforced rhythms of grace?” If we can learn to discern the shifting seasons of our lives, the changes can be less jarring. Take for instance our wardrobes. As summer turns to fall we adjust our attire. We expect it every year and we plan for it.
Do you plan for shifting seasons in your life and equip your spirit accordingly? I don’t like to think about it but the truth is, if we are growing spiritually, we too will go through cycles much like the shifting seasons. There will be seasons of rest and reviving. There will be seasons of disquiet and dismay. There will be seasons of travail and toil. And there will be seasons of breakthrough and bounty. If we can learn to anticipate these fluctuations and allow God to take the lead of this dance called life, we can change our rhythm as needed and flow a little more gracefully through the transitions.
“Unforced Rhythms of Grace”
Wesley and Stacy Campbell write “Last, within the rhythm of everyday life, the Israelites stopped everything they were doing three times a day to focus directly on God in prayer.” Notice that the Israelites’ daily rhythms revolved around God. If we observe their culture even further we will find that they planned their entire lives around God and His appointed times (the weekly Sabbath and the annual Feasts).
What would it look like for us if our lives revolved around the Son? What if, instead of fitting God into our schedules, we allowed Him to orchestrate our agendas? This is a paradigm shift for most. Resist the condemnation that may be trying to creep in right now and instead, may this be an opportunity to accept Jesus’ invitation to learn from Him. May we be His perpetual students and cultivate Christ-centered rhythms.
Scriptures for Contemplation
Psalm 1
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Proverbs 31:10-31
We would love to hear from you! What comes to mind when you think of “rhythms?”
Read more from Valerie:
1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary, s.v. "rhythm," accessed April 3, 2024, https://www.merriam
2. Campbell, Praying the Bible,106.