Learning the Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Music without rhythm is chaotic—unsettling, jarring, and hard to follow. In many ways, our lives can feel the same: full of activity but lacking flow, balance, or peace. Jesus offers a different way.

“Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life….Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace….” (MSG)

Rhythms aren’t just schedules or habits; they’re also the patterns we live by—the spiritual and everyday practices that quietly shape our souls and lives. They give structure to our days and can influence the direction of our hearts and lives. 

But just as rhythms in a song aren’t static, seasons in our lives change. Circumstances and relational needs shift. Even our own spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental capacities can vary in each season. Certain practices that once gave life can become like clothing that no longer fits.

And so it’s vital to periodically pause with God and reassess which rhythms are genuinely essential and lead us into the kind of life Jesus is inviting us to. Just because something worked in the past doesn’t mean it serves us in the present. And just because an activity is good or meets a need doesn’t mean it’s God’s invitation for us in this season. 

Prayerful and discerning reassessment also means looking deeper than the surface. Our practices can grow from many roots—God’s gentle invitations, yes, but also pressure, fear, expectations, or sometimes even unhealed wounds. Without noticing, we can become servants to our rhythms rather than letting them serve us and shape the life God desires for us. 

The good news is that this isn’t about perfection or legalism. God already loves and accepts us. Our practices don’t earn His favor; they help us live from the joy of God’s purposes for us. With humility and dependence on the Spirit, we can discern rhythms that sustain our souls and align our lives with His grace—learning, little by little, to walk freely and lightly.

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Ellen Burany

Ellen Burany, has over 25 years of ministry experience and has spent 19 years focused on leading, developing and ministering to Christian leaders. She holds an M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and steps alongside others to help them grow and root deeper in their walks with Jesus.