“The goal of Christian rhythm is to deepen our knowledge of God and become more familiar with His character and with His works.”- Lina AbuJamra
“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”- Psalm 131:2 (ESV)
Lina AbuJamra concludes Chapter 7 of Fractured Faith as she talks about old practices and new rhythms. First, Lina underscores our need to look for God in His Word. It’s where He’s promised we can find Him. Thus, when the disciples on the road to Emmaus expressed their desire to see and experience the risen Messiah, Jesus simply opened God’s Word.
Consequently, Lina notes, something remarkable happens when we open God’s inspired Word. As a result, spending time in God’s Word transforms our lives. And breakthrough happens as we soak in the presence of God as we open the pages of Scripture.
Therefore, Lina explains the importance of rhythms in the Christian life. She states:
“Rhythms are important to the Christian life. It’s formulaic behavior that robs our souls of joy. Rhythms that are rotted in relationships are life-giving. . . . Soul-nourishing rhythms are tooted in delight. The more we delight in Jesus, the more those old-fashioned rhythms give meaning to our lives.”
In addition, a Christian rhythm becomes holy when it centers on the person of Christ and the character of God. Hence, there’s a rhythm to:
- silence and solitude – sometimes in quiet moments alone, sometimes surrounded by a crowd
- prayer – we groan, whisper, or shout out to the Lord
- fasting
- fellowship with other believers
- reading God’s Word
Finally, Lina encourages, avoid straining to see more of God’s power. Instead, ask Him to help you get quiet enough to hear His whisper. And then discipline yourself to do so. Rather than trudge through old practices, choose to practice new rhythms.
Today’s question: What Christian rhythms do you see as essential to your faith? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Truth without love, love without truth”
