Harmonious Balance

“The most dangerous trap is just living and forgetting that God exists.”

- AW Tozer

Friends, can you believe it? We’re already halfway through the month of January! Have you started any new spiritual rhythms? What? You haven’t had a chance yet? I know it’s not easy. But, like teaching our children how to walk, we just need to take the first step!

Rhythm comes from the Greek word rhythmos and is defined as "any regular recurring motion, creating symmetry or harmonious balance.” Harmonious balance!  

One of the spiritual rhythms our seniors have begun is bi-weekly corporate prayer on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. At our first meeting, I read 2 Chronicles 7:14:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

A spiritual rhythm may be daily reading Scripture and picking out key words. In this verse, the words ‘seek, turn, hear and heal’ stand out. How could those five words impact your day? When your spouse frustrates you, ‘seek’ God through prayer and ‘turn’ from your desire to lash out. Then, know God ‘hears’ your prayer and ‘heals’ by strengthening your relationship.

Think about that! When we begin a spiritual rhythm, we benefit. Our relationships with our family, co-workers and friends are more in balance! Conversely, if we don’t have spiritual rhythms, we can forget to include God in our daily lives.

Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.

- Romans 12:16

Now may God, the source of endurance and encouragement, allow you to live in harmony with each other as you follow the Messiah Jesus.

- Romans 15:15

In my devotional two weeks ago, when I wrote about rhythms instead of resolutions, I was asked for some examples. Here are a few:

1. Meditation - Taking time to read or listen to the Bible. It could be a chapter, a verse or multiple verses. The important aspect is slowing down in order to give undivided attention to God and what He is saying to you in the reading.

1. Prayer -  Praying throughout your day creates an awareness that God is always with you.

1. Silence and Solitude - This is getting away from the noise! One of the rhythms I’m trying to add back in this year is long walks or hikes in nature.  We all hear God’s voice in different ways, but we have to remove the noise first!

1. Sabbath - True confessions, this is a rhythm I need to find! Too often, I treat sabbath as a resolution, rather than rhythm. We all need a regular day set aside for worship and rest! (Yes, you can ask how I’m doing!!)

If you want 2022 to be a year of growing closer to God and others, I encourage you to begin! It’s just like learning to walk… take the first step!

Pastor Pam

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