BIBLE 101: RHYTHM FOR A REASON

RHYTHM FOR A REASON

by Pastor Karen Greimel (kareng@lordoflife.org)

Bible 101

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus . . . Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NLT) “Pace yourself” were words I heard almost every day from Al Albrecht, Lord of Life’s former parish administrator. Initially, I didn’t connect with this wise advice and kept a frenzied pace, but over the years they have almost become a mantra.

When we read the gospels, we realize just how busy Jesus was. From the start of his ministry to death and resurrection, Jesus was constantly on the go, tackling challenges both great and small. Turning water to wine, healing the sick and paralyzed, casting out demons, teaching and preaching, growing the ministry, questioning religious leaders . . . heading to the cross. Yet, in all this business we see a rhythm. Hard work then retreat, hard work then retreat. Both before and after events we read that Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer and direction from God. Jesus paced himself. Jesus never waited for an official “sabbath” to retreat. When he sensed it was time to retreat, he just went. Have you ever pushed yourself too hard? Or, not hard enough? Jesus’ pace may not always agree with ours. He may slow us down when we want to speed up. He may move us ahead when we would rather stay put. There is a real craft to implementing a rhythm to life, to practice a pace that welcomes and allows for God and the plans prepared for you. Jesus had a rhythm for a reason. He needed time to hear what God was saying, encouraging, strengthening, and guiding. And then he returned refreshed to implement God’s plan. There are benefits to implementing a rhythm, a pace that is guided by Jesus into your life. Pacing permits maintenance of productive living. This rhythm allowed Jesus to remain stable and emotionally healthy, equipped to

do God’s work. When we honor work and rest, there is less chance of burnout.

Sabbath is not just a day; it can be an hour or minutes each day to find God. The sabbath can be a welcome break that renews us while also allowing us to grow closer to God. Maybe it is something as simple as taking time to admire beautiful June flowers. Jesus says, “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.” Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV) Practicing mini-sabbath breaks improves stamina and reminds us to share our work and rest time with the Lord. I guarantee that more problems get solved, creative initiatives are revealed, and stress is reduced when we apply a pace shared with Jesus. This week try taking a minisabbath each day. Make note of your experience. I would love to hear about it. Bless you.

reflection questions:

• What changes have you noticed about your pace of life in the last year and what have you learned?

• How can you apply what you have learned?

• Are you willing to implement a minisabbath into your life?