Keep the Challenge Going... Plus Rhythm & Solitude

I want to keep challenging us to "be inspirational"... see the previous post below... and to keep on posting.

But I have other things on my mind also... and I'm in a writing mood.

The book of Leviticus (yes, I was reading in this book recently) has much to say about the Sabbath, Festival of Trumpets, and Jubilee... with the recurring theme of "rest," "no work," "rest," "no work."

God asked the Israelites to build a rhythm into their lives that would leave room for the "one thing necessary" (worshipping at the feet of Jesus; gazing at the beauty of the Lord). This rhythm, that God called His people to live, brought with it a multitude of promised blessings from economic provision to fruitfulness.

I live a rhythm that, all too often, really doesn't work. It's my rhythm. It's the rhythm of the world around me. But it's not a rhythm in tune with God's heart nor with His pattern for my life. Why can't I fully get it: my rhythm doesn't work; His does?

Part of His rhythm means being willing to stop and fully rest; to let my soul become completely unplugged from work, chores, the demands of others, and even mind-numbing entertainment. It means taking time in this place of solitude (the meaning of "solitude" is a discussion in and of itself) until I'm fully refreshed, really refreshed. Once I take this step, I can begin to work and rest in a rhythm that is more closely aligned with God's heart: work, retreat, work, retreat.

Sometimes to get back into some kind of sane rhythm I have to become willing to let God show me what to cut out of my life, if only for a season, so that I can enter into His rest. Boy is that hard to do!!!!

The other thing that is on my mind is this concept "solitude." This was the primary way that Jesus refreshed and refueled Himself, yet it is one that is rarely discussed. Solitude is prayer, yet it's letting go of prayer and words and thoughts, and it can also be much more than just prayer. In essence, it's making space for God to be God in and around us... and we can do this in many different ways.

If you have a mind to read, read Henri Nouwen's article on Moving From Solitude to Community to Ministry. At least read the section on Solitude. In addition, I recommend a short blog article on centering prayer.

These articles talk about prayer and contemplation, but that's only a part of solitude. Solitude includes anything that brings us into awe, wonder, joy, bliss, the Presence of God, the enjoyment of God, the reality of God... Yet solitude also takes us into and through our own core emptiness and/or loneliness... and then back into deeper realities of God.

Ah, well, I'm becoming too esoteric for my own good. I'll get back to these topics with more focus in the future. For now... just reflecting on these two things: rhythm between rest and work; solitude.

What thinkest thou?