Creating Rhythms that Restore Connection to our Savior
Usually by this time of the year, all of the energy and good intentions that drove our initiative for change have fizzled out like a sparkler on the 4th of July, and we have returned to our old patterns of behavior. At our core, we desire “more” but we are exhausted by the daily grind of our schedules and at a loss to find a way to reignite the spark that once glowed brightly and make the “more” we crave a reality.
What if the “more” that we crave is our soul crying out for a renewed connection with our Savior and it comes in the form of creating new habits?
Unfortunately for us, these much-needed new habits require our attention on a daily basis. If we truly want to break old ways of living and replace them with new life-giving behaviors, we must carve out time to form new habits that become a part of our daily rhythms with the intention of establishing a renewed connection with our Savior. Adding just a little spark back into our lives every day will cause that spark to combust into a beautiful array of light.
In her book, Rhythms of Renewal, Rebekah Lyons writes about four biblical rhythms that can help us find a healthy pace and keep in step with the Spirit as we strive to live lives of peace and purpose. These rhythms are uncomplicated, and each can be summed up in a single word: Rest, Restore, Connect, and Create. These rhythms take practice and fit naturally into the flow of our lives. The first two, Rest and Restore, are what Lyons calls “input rhythms” that allow the peace of Jesus to fill us (we could all use a little of that!). The second two, Connect and Create, are “output rhythms” which pull us out of our own heads and connect us to the world around us.
Let’s start with Rest because who couldn’t use a little of this in his or her life? If we pause for a moment and think back to the Creation of the world, we can see the model that God demonstrated and even He rested. He created (worked), and then he rested. We are made in the image of God, and we have work to do, but we were also created for holy rest, and if you are anything like me, this is what often gets neglected or pushed out of your schedule by all of your to-do items. I was convicted by a statement in Lyons book, “Rest precedes blessing. We don’t have to run to earn rest; we run fueled by a posture of rest.” (p. 23) If I am being completely honest, I have some work to do here in establishing a posture or Rhythm of Rest. How about you?
I have grown tremendously in this area over the past three years. One strategy that I have implemented to help me be intentional in carving out time for rest is actually scheduling it into my calendar. For me, if it isn’t on the calendar, I know it won’t happen. At the beginning of each month, I evaluate the weeks and block off chunks of time to give myself rest where it will be most needed. This has freed up time for me to play, to take personal retreats, to spend uninterrupted time with family and friends, and to do so without feeling guilty or like I should be working or achieving something in that time spot. This strategy works for me because it is in alignment with my personality. It may not work for you.
What could work for you? Maybe now would be a good time to pause and reflect on how God has created you. What would Rest look like for you? What do you need to do to make Rest a reality in your life? What obstacles might you face? Who could help you be consistent or hold you accountable? What is one small change you could implement today that would move you toward a Rhythm of Rest?
Jesus desires for you to find rest in Him. Not just a physical rest, but one that reaches deep into your soul and brings you a spiritual refreshing. It is my prayer that you will carve out some time to begin to establish a rhythm of Rest in your daily routine.
*We will be exploring the other rhythms in upcoming posts. Until then, may you find time to carve out space in your schedule to practice the Rhythm of Rest.