Rhythms And Rest!

February 22, 2021

Rhythms And Rest!

During the last year, one of the most difficult struggles for me has been the disruption of rhythms and routines and rituals.  Procedures and processes required significant adjustment.  Methods and meetings required major overhauls.  Traditions and timelines required serious re-evaluation.

Each of those elements of my life and work required great amounts of energy, time, and prayer.  The discernment process was, at the same time, both engaging and exhausting.  But, the one thing that took the greatest toll on my soul was the significant decrease in the number of people with which I interacted each day.

I learned that one of the important ways in which I maintain a healthy and holy rhythm in my life as well as experience deep and refreshing rest is in my interactions with people.  I recognized early on that the interactions that do this best are those that are face-to-face and focused on spiritual matters.

I was missing people in my life and my work.  Think on these things for a few moments…

Holy Communion without community

Holy Baptism without other believers (other than family)

Preaching without people interacting

Worship without the church responding

Each of these experiences represent a disruption of rhythms and routines and rituals that are core to what we believe, who we are, and how we experience soul-deep rest.  It’s been hard, but it has been good, too.

I have been reminded that I cannot do for me what only Jesus can do in me.  But, there is something more; I have realized that you cannot do for me what only Jesus can do in me.  I have become more dependent upon Jesus for rest and refreshment as well as for healing and holiness. 

I am reminded of something Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30.  Jesus says; “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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.”

Jesus says, “Come to me…”  If the last year has taught me anything it is that programs and processes and people cannot give me the soul-deep rest for which I long.  Letters from denominational leaders, three-hour Zoom workshops, and the latest “Ted Talk” will not bring the rest I need most.

Jesus is the One who can touch the place that I am the most weary.  Jesus is the one who can lift the load weighing me down.  Jesus is the one who will be gentle and give me rest.  Jesus says, “Come to me…and you will find rest for your souls.”

Taking a nap will help restore the rest my body needs.  Reading “Corvette” magazine will help refresh my mind.  Visiting with a friend will revive the emotions of my heart.  But, the only thing that will provide the restoration and rest my soul needs is Jesus.

When that soul-deep rest comes, the disruption of rhythms and routines and rituals in my life and work do not matter near as much.  The One who breathed life into me when I was conceived leans over to breathe life into me again.  Oh, it feels like rest and restoration and renewal of my soul! 

In those moments, all I want to do is take delight in the Lord.  I want to give Jesus thanks and praise as well as give Jesus all glory and honor.  I invite you to turn to Jesus and find that for which you are longing the most; rest for your soul.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug