Embracing God's Rhythm: Balancing Work and Rest
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound rhythm of life that God has designed for us, a rhythm that balances work and rest. This rhythm is symbolized by the semicircle, a shape that represents the pendulum swing between these two essential aspects of our existence. We delved into the idea that God created us not only to work but also to rest, emphasizing that rest is not merely a recovery from work but a preparation for it. This divine rhythm is evident in the creation story, where God rested on the seventh day, setting a precedent for us to follow.
We discussed the importance of work as a holy and sacred activity, a participation in God's ongoing creation. Work provides us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, allowing us to contribute to society and experience the joy of being fruitful. However, work is not the entirety of life. The commandment to keep the Sabbath holy reminds us that rest is equally important. Rest allows us to abide in God, to be filled with His presence, and to prepare for the work ahead.
The rhythm of rest and work is not only a weekly practice but also a daily and seasonal one. We are encouraged to find our personal style of rest, whether it be solitude for introverts or social gatherings for extroverts. Being intentional about these rhythms helps us maintain balance in our lives, ensuring that we are neither overworked nor underproductive.
Jesus exemplified this rhythm in His own life, taking time for retreats and early morning prayers to abide with God. He taught His disciples the importance of rest, showing that it is essential for effective ministry and fruitful living. As we follow this rhythm, we are pruned by God, allowing us to grow and bear fruit in His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- The rhythm of life, symbolized by the semicircle, balances work and rest, reflecting God's design for us. Rest is not just recovery but preparation for work, as seen in the creation story where God rested on the seventh day. [28:37]
- Work is a sacred activity, a participation in God's creation, providing purpose and fulfillment. However, it is not the entirety of life. The commandment to keep the Sabbath holy emphasizes the importance of rest. [27:09]
- Daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms of rest and work help maintain balance in our lives. Finding personal styles of rest, whether solitude or social gatherings, ensures we are neither overworked nor underproductive. [33:09]
- Jesus exemplified the rhythm of rest and work, taking retreats and early morning prayers to abide with God. He taught His disciples the importance of rest for effective ministry and fruitful living. [33:09]
- Pruning by God allows us to grow and bear fruit in His kingdom. This process, though sometimes uncomfortable, is essential for spiritual growth and productivity. [33:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Invitation to Prayer
[03:40] - Embracing Life's Rhythms
[06:05] - Spiritual Practices and Mortality
[11:08] - Gathering and Worship
[15:10] - Children's Lesson on Rhythm
[24:44] - The Walk and Christian Practices
[25:58] - The Semicircle: Rest and Work
[27:09] - The Importance of Sabbath
[28:37] - God's Design for Rest
[29:31] - Work as a Sacred Activity
[30:45] - Transitioning in Work and Retirement
[33:09] - Jesus' Example of Rest and Work
[50:09] - Open Space for Reflection
[53:40] - Prayers and Concerns
[56:07] - Offering and Thanksgiving
[01:00:41] - Announcements and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 2:2-3 - "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
2. Exodus 20:8-10 - "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God."
3. John 15:1-5 - "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
Observation Questions:
1. How does the creation story in Genesis illustrate the rhythm of work and rest? ([28:37])
2. What does the commandment in Exodus 20:8-10 tell us about the importance of rest in our lives? ([27:09])
3. In John 15:1-5, what is the significance of Jesus describing Himself as the vine and us as the branches? How does this relate to the concept of abiding? ([33:09])
4. How did Jesus exemplify the rhythm of rest and work in His own life according to the sermon? ([33:09])
Interpretation Questions:
1. What might be the spiritual implications of neglecting the Sabbath as described in Exodus 20:8-10? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on rest? ([27:09])
2. In John 15:1-5, what does it mean to be pruned by God, and how does this process contribute to spiritual growth and productivity? ([33:09])
3. How does the concept of the semicircle as a symbol for the rhythm of life help us understand the balance between work and rest? ([28:37])
4. What lessons can be drawn from Jesus' practice of taking retreats and early morning prayers for our own spiritual disciplines? ([33:09])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current work and rest balance. Are there areas where you feel overworked or underproductive? How can you adjust your daily or weekly rhythms to better align with the biblical model? ([33:09])
2. Consider your personal style of rest. Are you more introverted or extroverted, and how does this affect the way you recharge? What changes can you make to ensure your rest is truly restorative? ([33:09])
3. How can you incorporate a Sabbath day of worship and delight into your weekly routine? What specific activities would help you connect with God and loved ones during this time? ([33:09])
4. Think about a recent time when you felt spiritually unproductive. How might this be a sign that you need more time abiding in God? What steps can you take to prioritize this in your life? ([33:09])
5. Jesus taught His disciples the importance of rest for effective ministry. How can you apply this principle in your own life, especially in areas where you serve others? ([33:09])
6. Reflect on a season in your life that felt like a time of pruning. How did this experience contribute to your spiritual growth, and how can you embrace future pruning seasons with a positive outlook? ([33:09])
7. Identify one specific way you can be intentional about building rhythms of rest and work into your life. What practical steps will you take this week to start implementing this change? ([33:09])
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Rhythm of Work and Rest
In the rhythm of life, God has designed a balance between work and rest, symbolized by the semicircle. This balance is not just about recovering from work but preparing for it, as seen in the creation story where God rested on the seventh day. This divine rhythm invites us to embrace both work and rest as essential aspects of our existence. By understanding this rhythm, we can align our lives with God's design, ensuring that we are both productive and rejuvenated. [28:37]
"For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate a rhythm of rest into your daily routine this week, ensuring it prepares you for the work ahead?
Day 2: Work as Sacred Participation
Work is a sacred activity, a participation in God's ongoing creation. It provides us with purpose and fulfillment, allowing us to contribute to society and experience the joy of being fruitful. However, work is not the entirety of life. The commandment to keep the Sabbath holy reminds us of the importance of rest, ensuring that we do not become consumed by our labor. By viewing work as a sacred act, we can find deeper meaning and joy in our daily tasks. [27:09]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you view your work as a sacred act of worship this week, and how might this perspective change your approach to your daily tasks?
Day 3: Embracing Personal Rhythms of Rest
The rhythm of rest and work is not only a weekly practice but also a daily and seasonal one. We are encouraged to find our personal style of rest, whether it be solitude for introverts or social gatherings for extroverts. Being intentional about these rhythms helps us maintain balance in our lives, ensuring that we are neither overworked nor underproductive. By discovering and embracing our unique rhythms, we can live more balanced and fulfilling lives. [33:09]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can incorporate your personal style of rest into your life this week, and how can it help you maintain balance?
Day 4: Jesus' Example of Rest and Work
Jesus exemplified the rhythm of rest and work, taking time for retreats and early morning prayers to abide with God. He taught His disciples the importance of rest for effective ministry and fruitful living. By following Jesus' example, we can learn to prioritize rest as an essential component of our spiritual and physical well-being. This rhythm allows us to be more effective in our work and ministry, bearing fruit in God's kingdom. [33:09]
"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." (Mark 1:35, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate intentional times of rest and prayer into your daily routine, following Jesus' example, to enhance your spiritual and physical well-being?
Day 5: Pruning for Growth and Fruitfulness
Pruning by God allows us to grow and bear fruit in His kingdom. This process, though sometimes uncomfortable, is essential for spiritual growth and productivity. By embracing the pruning process, we can become more aligned with God's purposes and more fruitful in our lives. This requires a willingness to let go of what hinders our growth and to trust in God's plan for our lives. [33:09]
"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is pruning you, and how can you embrace this process to become more fruitful in His kingdom?
Quotes
"God created us for a rest and work. A weekly Sabbath, but also daily rhythms of rest and work. After creating Adam and Eve, God walked through the garden in the cool of the evening, we are told, looking for Adam and Eve. It was their evening stroll of hanging out, of enjoying each other, of Adam and Eve feeling connected to God." [00:28:10] (27 seconds)
"Rest is God's starting point for us. God created the world in six days, and it was on the last day that God created human beings. So the very first thing human beings did was take us out. It was the Sabbath day. That was their very first. That's where they started. And then God set them to work in the garden." [00:29:05] (21 seconds)
"It's part of our holy, sacred living. In fact, God spent six days at work creating the universe, so our work is holy as well and sacred, a blessing. Work gives us a sense of purpose, of mission, of competence, of contribution. It is in work that we experience the joy of being fruitful." [00:29:54] (25 seconds)
"Pope John Paul II, in talking about work, said, Awareness that work is a participation in God's activity ought to permeate even the most ordinary everyday activities. While providing for sustenance for their family and themselves, men and women are performing their activities in a way that benefits society. They can justly consider. That by their labor, they are unfolding the Creator's work." [00:30:32] (31 seconds)
"This season, this rhythm of life, is like a pendulum swinging back and forth. God designed us for rest. and God designed us for work the commandments say to keep the Sabbath the commandments also say to don't steal don't murder and so from a Ten Commandment perspective from God's perspective failing to keep the Sabbath is right up there with murder and stealing and so rest matters rest is commanded it came first we rest with God the Bible calls it abiding that resting with God I call it hanging out hanging out with God and with people I love Sabbath is a day to be filled up through love of God and love of people I recently heard someone describe the Sabbath as a day of worship and delight worship that time with God and delight time with those we love what a wonderful way to think about Sabbath day worship and delight and so the pendulum swings back and forth our Christian rhythm of life Jesus talked about this rhythm of abiding in God and fruitfulness in John 15 Jesus said I am the true vine and my father is the vineyard keeper he prunes any of my branches that don't produce fruit and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more you are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you remain in me and I will remain in you a branch can't produce fruit by itself but must remain in the vine likewise you can't produce fruit unless you remain in me I am the vine and you remain in me you are the branches begins with abiding with hanging out with God being filled up we abide with Christ and then we go on to bear fruit we bear fruit and then we are pruned back and then we grow and then we are pruned and we abide and we are fruitful Jesus was comparing us to a grapevine at this time everyone when he was everyone he was speaking to would have been really familiar with how it how growing grapes worked when you plant a grapevine it is left for three years to grow if it tries to set fruit they're cut off because it takes three years for the for the grapevine to grow strong enough the branches to grow strong enough to support the weight of the grapes and then at three years it is allowed to set those fruit it is harvested and then after harvest it is pruned back for a time of nourishment and growth and that's how we were created with these times of growth and producing and then times of pruning grape for a grapevine producing fruit is the most natural thing it could do it requires no willpower no alarm clock no calendar it just doesn't and that's how we are we are designed to just naturally produce fruit so if you are noticing in yourself that the fruit isn't I'm you're not it's not coming naturally that might be a sign that you need more time in abiding it might be that you have overgrown" [00:33:09] (0 seconds)
"branches that are too weak to support the fruit or that you need pruning pruning can feel unproductive it can feel um odd and it's not automatic the truth is we don't prune ourselves grapevines don't prune themselves they are pruned by another and we need pruned by god so we look to god to prune us where we need pruned you know the the pandemic was an amazing time of pruning actually i remember when the lockdown first happened and my calendar just cleaned out and it felt amazing and freeing to not have appointments and meetings all the time and then after a while it felt empty but you know when it was over i did not go back and fill my calendar up with all the stuff i had been doing it was a time of pruning in my life the church went through something similar we had a year of worshiping online and then a year of worshiping outside and when we came back together we didn't just restart everything we had done some things changed like the way we do um did sunday school some things we just didn't pick back up like sunday suppers it was a time of pruning you you , so we follow this rhythm of life we abide in god we grow and then we go bear fruit we bear fruit and then we are pruned back for a time of abiding abide grow fruit prune abide rest work rest work jesus rested and worked in the gospel of mark we hear that the very first thing jesus did was go to the desert for 40 days to be filled up by god to be strengthened and filled with god's power and strength the first thing jesus did was take a retreat this concentrated time of filling up days of retreat are good for good for jesus and they are good for us as a pastor i am expected to take a retreat every year i encourage every single one of you to take a retreat every single year it can you can do retreats at home you can go to a retreat center like saint gertrude's i'm in central idaho where there's retreat centers in oregon there's so you can find a retreat center but to take some days just for your time with god just to be filled up and then we also hear that jesus rhythm was he regularly got up early in the morning to pray that he started his day abiding with god resting with god and he taught the disciples to rest jesus told the disciples to follow him to a quiet place where they could rest and eat they had a lot of work to do and it needed to start with rest and eating so they were ready to go jesus prioritized their rest so rest and work what does that mean? look like for us well first is to remember the rest comes first the rest is not recovery from a long week but preparation for the coming week and so we take a sabbath we fill a day with worship and delight to get us ready for the coming week" [00:36:12] (0 seconds)
"the second find your own personal style of rest this is especially apparent with introverts and extroverts introverts get energy by being alone and extroverts get energy by being with other people so for an introvert rest could be a day home alone maybe with a few trusted friends for an extrovert sabbath rest really could look like going to a party and if you are an introvert don't expect to be refreshed after a big party and if you are an extrovert don't expect to be refreshed by a quiet day home alone or maybe you're an ambivert they call it like me somebody who's just right in the middle between introvert and extrovert we need both we need time with people and we need time alone and then the third is be intentional intentional about building these rhythms into your life that weekly rhythm of sabbath day to make that a priority to be intentional about daily rhythms of work and rest that each day should have time for both and if you're coming if you're making it to sabbath day and you're exhausted that could be a sign that your daily rhythms of rest and work are out of balance and then seasonal rhythms we have seasonal rhythms in our life of times that we're very busy and times that we are resting in the church year right now christmas is done lent hasn't started we're not getting ready for anything and we're not cleaning up after anything and in this church one of our rhythms is in the summertime we kind of stop doing a lot of things we don't do choir we don't do messy church and instead we spend time hanging out we don't do music we don't do music we don't do music we don't do music we don't do music we don't do music like the church camp out so as you look at building this being intentional what are your daily rhythms of rest and work your weekly rhythms and your seasonal rhythms christian life is loving god and loving people by pouring out and filling up with the goal of unity with god and each other the circle is our is our method of continuous breakthrough those finding those moments of peace and peace and peace and peace and peace and peace and peace moments and then repenting by observing reflecting and discussing and then believing with a plan account and act and that we live our lives in balance of these three relationships up with god in with close friends out with others in a daily weekly and seasonal rhythm of life of rest and work so we're going to have open space some time for open space today you should have received where is it one of these a little sheet let's say rest and work during this open space we're going to take seven to ten minutes if you would like to take some notes on here for yourself of things you want to be intentional about maybe you want to write worship and delight on there and then you can stop by that type of thing that i mentioned and you can just go into the i'm person i'm a woman i'm person" [00:40:11] (0 seconds)
"Discipleship is being and doing like the one we follow. And over these weeks of the walk, we have been looking at these practices of Christian living and we've been talking about it with shapes. Shapes like the Celtic cross, the circle, the triangle, and today the semicircle. These shapes have been our vocabulary, our language for Christian living, and these practices we are cultivating. And what I'm sharing with you is based on the work of Larry Duggins and Mike Breen." [00:24:22] (36 seconds)
"And the circle was our method of continuous breakthrough, of starting with a Kairos moment, a moment that grabs our attention, and then going through that process of repentance, of observe, reflect, and discuss, and then believe by planning, setting up relationships of accountability, and acting. And then there is our relationships, our three -fold relationships in balance. Our relationship up with God, our in -relationship with close friends, and our out -relationship with others. And today we're looking at the semicircle and a rhythm of life." [00:25:09] (42 seconds)
"God expects us to rest. God commanded us to rest. God created us for a rest and work. A weekly Sabbath, but also daily rhythms of rest and work. After creating Adam and Eve, God walked through the garden in the cool of the evening, we are told, looking for Adam and Eve. It was their evening stroll of hanging out, of enjoying each other, of Adam and Eve feeling connected to God." [00:28:04] (34 seconds)
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