On Rhythms

What is a Rhythm?

I could start this by defining the defining rhythms, routines, habits, and rituals and then elaborating on the differences among them (which is pretty subjective). But I’m not going to do that. Instead I want to focus on the heart behind all of these words and their intention.

When we think of rhythms, routines, habits, and rituals, they describe something we regularly do and repeat. Of these word options, I’m going to focus on the the word rhythm. I see a rhythm as not just something we regularly do and repeat, but something we do with intention.

Rhythms have had such an impact on my life that I can’t not talk about them. We’ll be starting a series where we explore rhythms over the next few weeks (and months) so I wanted to start by reviewing what rhythms are and why they matter.

Why are rhythms important?

Let’s start in the beginning. Way back in Genesis 1:5, it says “God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” And then he used that pattern of time to continue building creation and rested on the seventh day.

God shows us what rhythms can look like. Jesus practiced Sabbath as a continuation of what God had begun on the seventh day of creation. In Luke 4:16 we see Jesus practicing Sabbath “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.” We then see examples of Jesus resting and pursuing solitude in Matthew 14:23 where it says “When He had done this, He climbed the hill to pray in solitude. Night came on, and he was there alone.”

Jesus continues to show the example of how rhythms and practices can benefit us.

In the book of Matthew 11:20-30, in the Message version, it says, ““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

When we learn how to to live with in rhythms, we can live freely and lightly. This doesn’t mean we don’t experience hardship, but rather than we experience it with God as our friend and comforter.

So as we move into this next series on Rhythms, I want you to think about the rhythms you have in your own life. Write down those that come to mind. What rhythms work well? Are there any areas you could benefit from implementing a rhythm or routine?

In this series we will touch on rhythms in marriage, resting, community, learning, reflection, travel, movement, work, and more. So follow along!

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