Falling into a New Rhythm

{My Study}

Falling into a New Rhythm  

I like the beginning of a new school year because it means a second chance for all those New Year's resolutions that never happened. As I write out my goals for this fresh, fall season, I am reminded of last Sunday's sermon. The message was on finding your comfort in God alone. When Jesus sent the disciples out to preach the gospel in places that may even reject them, He asked them to leave behind their comfort. 

He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in their belts--but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. Mark 6:8 

Why would Jesus take away their comfort like that?  He wanted the disciples to rely completely on God. When they were hungry, they looked to God. When they were homeless, they looked to God. When they were cold, they looked to God. Complete dependence on the Lord is a beautiful place to be in.

Perhaps comfort hinders our discipleship. I'm not saying we need to get rid of anything luxurious, but I am saying that we need to evaluate where we look to for pleasure. Reflect on this powerful truth that my pastor revealed to the church:

"Comfort draws a line around us that is always smaller than the will go God." 

I want to consider this as I set goals for the new year. 

• Join a ministry. 
• Go on a mission trip.
• Be 100% myself no matter who I am with. 
• Dream big. Be brave. Work hard.
• Get more involved 
• Pray more. Worry less. Keep perspective. 
• Make new friends. Love old ones. 
• Be fully present. 
• Embrace who God made me to be with confidence. 
• Look forward, not back.
• Balance social media. 

Before we get carried away with our ambitious expectations, let us take a moment to sit back and ask ourselves, "What am I willing to give up in order to achieve my goals?" 

My free time? My fears? My insecurities? My hard earned money? My habits? My routine? My comfort?

Life has a way of pulling us deep into "the familiar", "the safe",  and "the right". We like our rhythm. We like our schedule, our pillows, our coffee, our habits, and our dreams that only stay dreams. These are all fine and dandy until they keep us from moving forward into God's great plan for us. 

But what happens if this time we actually follow Jesus, go into the places that might reject us, step out of our comfort zones, and forsake everything that hinders us from clinging tight to our Savior in complete dependence on Him?

What if we actually achieve our goals because we are willing to deny ourselves and our conveniences in order to grab hold of what is most important. I love The Message version of this well-known passage:

Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat, I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. Mark 8:34-36 MSG 

God has big opportunities in store for us. May we not miss out on a single one of them because we cannot let go of our selfish desires. May we fall into a new rhythm...one that allows God to lead us, even if that means giving up some of our comfort on the way. I promise God's way marches to a way better beat. 

Lord, help us find our comfort in you and you alone. At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Reveal to us the possessions, people, attitudes, and desires that are currently preventing us from experiencing fullness of joy. We do not want to miss out on any of the ministry opportunities you have for us. May your sovereign and perfect will be done in our lives. Amen. 

 ☎︎

The Girl Next Door