Word for the Year: Rhythm

For the last couple years, I have selected a word to focus on and help set the course for the following months. Last week I shared my sister-in-law’s word, perseverance. Although it is the word she has chosen, I believe we can all use a little more of this in our lives in to help us better push through and press on victoriously.

My word came to me a couple weeks ago during a morning prayer meeting at church. As the pastor spoke and prayed, I considered and asked God to give me a word of inspiration. A few words flashed through my mind but they just as quickly left. After a minute, the word rhythm came to mind and settled in.

So, rhythm it is.

On the back of my Costco shopping list, I jotted down a few notes of what this could mean for me:

Less forcing and striving, more rhythm and rest. Not a lazy sort of rest, but a calm assured peace and pace of moving in rhythm with the Lord.

Abiding, seeking, drawing near, filling up, and then moving forward and simply overflowing.

Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ 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.”

John 15:4-5, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Rhythm means no longer working for our worth or validation but walking in God’s grace—He already loves us.

Rhythm is syncing our heart with the beat of the Father’s,

not rushing ahead or lagging behind,

listening for His voice,

following His plans and timing, not ours.

Rhythm permeates our heart and impacts every area of our life. Hurried and harried, or peace-filled and assured. I know which one I’d choose. The heartbeat of God every time.

John 1:16, “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

The other night my husband and I watched the U.S. figure skating championships. The skaters seemed to glide effortlessly across the ice. No matter the pace, fast or slow, the couples moved flawlessly in sync with one another. Because of their long hours practicing together, they easily anticipated each other’s moves. Each pair displayed grace, deep trust, and a close relationship. They held each other up and made sure that their partner didn’t fall. The couples moved beautifully as one.

This partnership and rhythm mirror our relationship with God. The only difference is that He doesn’t need us to hold Him up or catch Him. There’s no chance He will ever fall or fail. But He is the sure, steady, and strong partner who guides us along the way. Being yoked with Jesus is the best partnership of all.

Just as the skating partners invest time in training together, we must train under the Lord’s instruction. The story of Mary and Martha is the perfect example of this. Both women loved Jesus, but Mary chose to sit at His feet and soak up His presence before getting up to serve. Martha on the other hand, had wonderful intentions, but she prioritized works before getting filled up. I believe this is why she got a bit resentful and snappy.

Luke 10:38-42, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

We can get so busy doing for the Lord, but He really desires us to spend time with Him. Sometimes we need to push pause, step back, and reassess what we’re doing. Occasionally we can get carried away with busyness. But busyness from even good things can be a distraction.

If life begins to feel like a hamster wheel, it’s time to get in rhythm with the Lord.

Psalm 23 gives us a beautiful picture of the blessings we gain by living in rhythm with the Lord:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,    

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

So that’s my word for the year. Please share your word with me. I’d love to use it as inspiration for more devotions.

God bless!

You always need to have a scrap of paper handy just in case inspiration strikes. I usually carry a notepad or small journal, but apparently, not this time. :)

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