I used to read devotionals where people talked about having a “Word for the year”, and I thought that was great for them, but didn’t apply to me. Then, a couple of years ago, the Lord started giving me annual words of direction, and they have been such a blessing.
Last year, I felt God telling me to “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” If you’re wondering where I found those words, they come from Matthew chapter 11, in the Message translation of the Bible. Beginning at verse 28.
““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
If you’re used to the NIV translation, you’ll be more familiar with the words: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Although I’ve always appreciated those sentiments, they didn’t quite have the same affect on me as the idea of learning the unforced rhythms of grace.
Throughout 2018, I set out on a journey to find out how I could do this in practical terms. I noticed the way I tend to put pressure on myself, especially when it comes to doing things for the Lord. Obviously, it is good to give him our best work, but I have come to realise that a lot of the pressure I’m under is self-imposed, and not God-imposed. I find it hard to say “No” to things, even when my schedule is overloaded. Then, I become tired while doing tasks meant for someone else, and cannot give my best to the tasks God has assigned for me, such as my radio show.
At the beginning of 2017, I felt there were many things the Lord wanted me to do, but as the year went on, each thing was slowly stripped away, until very little remained. Even Worship Unlimited had to go on hold for a while due to my father’s illness and eventual death. I wasn’t doing any of the things I’d thought would impress God, yet he still loved me, and still drew me close during a tough season. This was a major lesson in grace for someone who has always been a little too focused on doing, and not enough on just being. I’ve always been told we’re human beings and not human doings, but the truth of that statement had alluded me until then.
Grace is God’s riches at Christ’s expense. It is all about him and what he has done, and has nothing at all to do with me and what I may or may not do. It is a free gift lavished upon us at salvation. In John chapter 1, we are told that “the law was given through Moses, but grace and peace came through Jesus Christ.” It is different from mercy, because mercy is God not punishing us as we deserve, but grace is God blessing us with all the wonderful things we can never earn. Best of all is our uninterrupted fellowship with him.
Grace also gives us the freedom to rest when we need it. I have begun making it a weekly practice to spend Sunday afternoons relaxing, and doing the things I enjoy. For me, that’s reading or listening to music. On other days, I prioritize household tasks, work on this website, or other things, but Sunday is what I call my “Flop” day, and I look forward to it all week. It’s so important to allow time for God to recharge our spiritual batteries, or we will burn out. WE can’t run headlong at breakneck speed forever. Sooner or later, we will crash and burn, and that’s not what God wants for us.
As we have entered a new year, God has given me a new word, which I’ll write about in a future devotional, but I know I am still discovering the unforced rhythms of his grace. I probably always will be. I am learning that I will fail and let him down, no matter how hard I try. I won’t always get everything right, because I am human. I dare say there will be weeks when I’ll fail to update my website, but doing so won’t make me a failure. God’s grace is sufficient for my mistakes, and for the times when I am just too tired or emotionally drained to do the things I have committed to. He understands, and his love for us never changes. Remember, Jesus died for us when we were still sinners, so don’t try and carry any burdens that are too big for you to bear. If you have to say “No” to something, then don’t be afraid to do so. Let God teach you, as he’s teaching me, about the wonderful unforced rhythms of his amazing grace.
Another lovely article. Sometimes we have to go through the tough times to understand the good times. I remember with my opperation in 2014, it was the visits from people that were most important to me.
Thanks Cathy. We all need encouragement. Your comments are certainly a huge encouragement to me.