Choosing God’s Rhythm for Our Days
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Ps. 90:17 NIV)
There are seasons when we feel like we’re soaring gracefully through our days. We’re able to accomplish everything that’s needed. We have strong connections with family and friends. We feel God’s hand in our lives, paving the way and opening doors.
There are also seasons when it feels like our bodies are repeatedly slamming into brick walls. Plans fall apart. Relationships feel stilted or fractured. Nothing we do seems to be enough. All God seems to be saying is “No” or, worse, nothing at all.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishes they could stay on the smooth and breezy path. When life starts to get rocky, I tend to grow frustrated and weary. My inner perfectionist tells me there’s something wrong with me that’s the cause of all of my tribulations. I forget about the rhythms of life and get impatient with myself when things are not happening on the timeline I think they should. Often, it’s a timeline from someone else’s life, and I believe that my path must match theirs or I’m failing.
I need a constant reminder to be patient with myself. I looked online for reassuring quotes about patience, and the most popular one says, “Be patient with yourself; nothing in nature blooms all year.” The words comforted me. God didn’t create anything to go full-tilt all day, every day. Some animals hibernate. Plants go dormant. Every living thing requires sleep (although I learned that dolphins can sleep half of their brain at a time in order to swim continuously, which is fascinating).
My life circumstances aren’t constant. There are times when I can produce a lot of work and activity and other times when I require more rest and down time. I know this, yet I struggle with allowing myself periods of rest and rejuvenation.
When I turn to the Bible, I’m reminded that I don’t have to work so hard or try to live on someone else’s timeline. God will work out the things he wants me to do in the proper time and manner. What I need to do is draw near to God and allow him to show me what is necessary. Let him determine the rhythm of my days.
God’s Rhythm for Our Days
God created us for meaningful, restorative rest. In Exodus 20, when Moses is sharing the commandments of the Lord with the Israelites, he commands them to keep the Sabbath holy. This involves resting from work just like God rested from work after creating the earth. When we choose to listen to God and spend a day in rest and communion with him, it fills our souls and reminds us that we are not in charge of our lives. It is God who determines our steps and works things out for our good and his glory.
God created us for a relationship with him. The whole story of the Bible is about God’s love for us and his willingness to do whatever it takes to restore our relationship with him. Often, when I get stuck in a period of busyness, the first thing to go is meaningful time in prayer with God. Sure, I’ll go through the motions, but I won’t sit still long enough for anything to sink in or for me to really think about how God may want to show up in my life.
We were also created for relationships with others. Connection and service are frequently forgotten when I feel exhausted or overwhelmed. I turn inward and try to preserve whatever remaining energy I have. I don’t reach out when I feel depleted, fearing it will harm more than help. Yet God has specifically said that we’re not meant to be alone (Gen. 2:18). He designed us to need others and to thrive in community.
When I find myself running short on energy, patience, or hope, I look at my schedule and see if one or all of the above things are missing. My priority is then realigning myself with the way I was created. By following the rhythms laid out above, I’m often able to return to a more balanced state.
Lord, it’s hard to relinquish control, even though, deep down, we know it’s only an illusion. Help us to trust that your ways are perfect and that you will provide for all of our needs, in both high and low seasons. May we draw near to you at all times so that we may receive the rest, wisdom, and guidance we need. Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30 NIV)
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Ps. 46:10 NIV)
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Prov. 11:25 NIV)
Reach for More
Are you finding yourself feeling worn down or stressed out? Look over your schedule and see if one of the following is missing: real rest, meaningful time with God, strong connections with others, or opportunities to serve others. Try to add in one or more of these over the next few days.
enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and introverting. She loves nothing better than discovering a wanted book in a thrift store or hiking alongside a river with her family or a good friend somewhere around her home of Asheville, NC. She’s the author of Between Us Girls and can be found chronicling her reading and writing journey @megan.e.byrd on Instagram or writing about life at www.meganbyrd.net.
Photograph © Sam Chang, used with permission
