As we pause and reflect on another 12 months gone by, we’re often quick to aim for greater balance in all areas during the new year. Author and pastor Andy Stanley suggests that we aim to find a rhythm in the changing seasons of life. Instead of trying to carve out equal amounts of time for each activity in order to attain and maintain a balanced lifestyle, there are seasons which require us to work longer or shorter hours, spend less or exercise more, cut out or add certain foods to our diet, and so on.
King Solomon looked back at his life of excess and was disappointed by how meaningless all of it was. “‘Everything is meaningless,’ says the Teacher, ‘completely meaningless!’” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). He acknowledged, however, that God does ultimately bring beauty out of the rhythm of the changing seasons of life (Ecclesiastes 3:11), writing: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Contentment comes when we ease into a new rhythm in the midst of change. For instance, the birth of a child or the death of a loved one; the start of something new and the time it takes to grow and bear fruit (Ecclesiastes 3:2); the moment we decide to put to death the one thing that’s been sapping our strength, and the day we choose to say we’re sorry and work toward healing (Ecclesiastes 3:3); the times that we tear down or build up, cry or laugh, grieve or dance, scatter or gather, embrace or turn away, search or quit searching, keep or throw away, tear or mend, be quiet or speak up, love or hate, make war or bring peace (Ecclesiastes 3:4-8).
In all things, at all times, finding a rhythm based in God’s leading is surely far more satisfying than striving for the perfect balance.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Revelation 1:1-20
More:
Read Philippians 4:11-12 and see what Paul says about finding a rhythm of contentment in any situation.
Next:
What does your current season of life look like? How can God help you find a rhythm that honors and glorifies Him?
Gary Shultz on December 29, 2014 at 7:32 am
The title says a lot when it comes to life and the changes it brings. Sometimes it seems the more we try to control life the more it controls us. We must learn to adapt to change and differences, to live where and when God has planted us. This contentment spoken of, is vital to our life perspective, knowing God goes before us at every turn. Thanks and may your new year be very satisfying.
Mike Wittmer on December 29, 2014 at 9:42 am
I need this today. This is the first day of a “lost week” between Christmas and New Year’s. I’m not sure what work I’m supposed to be doing. Maybe it’s a season to rest and enjoy family.
Tom Felten on December 29, 2014 at 10:11 am
Love the idea of rhythm in life, Ruth. I’m reminded that Jesus exhibited a rhythm of teaching, prayer, rest, and other activity.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on December 29, 2014 at 10:34 am
Thanks for your thoughtful and kind words Gary. And, when I’m in a difficult season, I’m reminded that ‘this too shall pass’ and, “for our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Ruth O'reilly-smith on December 29, 2014 at 10:40 am
Mike, you’re so right. I learn to breathe again at this time of year – having the time to slow down long enough to consider the year gone by and focus on my anticipation for the new one. Thank God for different seasons and may we discern which one we’re in, finding our Godly rhythm in each one.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on December 29, 2014 at 10:45 am
Absolutely Tom, Jesus was the perfect example and His life is a stunning reminder to us as we enter a new year. Praying we all keep in rhythm with our Lord, all He wants us to be and what He wants us to do throughout 2015.
ibukunoluwa12 on December 29, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Thank you Ruth for the powerful reminder, just what i needed, i woke up this morning feeling sad about the Air Asia that went missing and a friend of mine who had been going through some hard times sent a text that her mum had being rushed to the ER, and i just felt completely helpless and sad with those stories but then i opened this devotional and and i got my rythm back thank u it really meant a lot. yes indeed we have to finding a rhythm based in God’s leading is surely far more satisfying than striving for the perfect balance. I feel this is the only way we can have some peace and contentment that in all things and situation that we are going through, Christ is there with us. Have a great year ahead , God bless.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on December 29, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Hi ibukunoluwa12 – the cares of this world can easily weigh us down and leave us feeling stuck in a place of hopelessness and despair. Without losing our compassion for people, may the Lord help us to cast our cares and anxieties on Him – the only one who can really bring us contentment, no matter the circumstance. (1 Peter 5:7). ‘And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..’ (Colossians 3:15).