The Power of Spiritual Rhythms: Embracing a Season of Less for More
In our fast-paced, always-on world, the idea of intentionally slowing down and changing our routines can seem counterintuitive. Yet, there’s profound wisdom in the practice of altering our spiritual rhythms – a concept deeply rooted in biblical tradition and exemplified by Jesus himself.
The Bible offers numerous examples of these changing rhythms. From the creation story’s pattern of work and rest to the Israelites’ cycles of feasts and fasts, we see God instituting seasons of both abundance and scarcity, celebration and solemnity. These weren’t arbitrary rules, but divine invitations to draw closer to Him and grow in spiritual maturity.
Perhaps the most striking example comes from Jesus’ own life. Luke’s Gospel tells us that after His baptism, Jesus – though already “full of the Holy Spirit” – was led into the wilderness for 40 days of fasting and prayer. This wasn’t a time of punishment or deprivation, but a season of intense spiritual preparation. Remarkably, when Jesus emerged from this period of “less,” He returned “in the power of the Spirit,” ready to begin His public ministry.
This pattern of withdrawal and return, of fasting and feasting, wasn’t a one-time occurrence for Jesus. Throughout His ministry, we see Him regularly retreating to “lonely places” to pray, even as crowds clamored for His attention. Jesus understood the vital importance of these rhythms for maintaining spiritual health and connection with the Father.
So what does this mean for us today? It’s an invitation to embrace seasons of intentional spiritual focus – times when we say “no” to certain things in order to say a bigger “yes” to God. This isn’t about earning God’s favor or punishing ourselves. Rather, it’s about creating space in our lives for deeper communion with Him.
As we approach the traditional Christian season of Lent, we have a perfect opportunity to put this principle into practice. Here are three practical ways to engage in this “spiritual spring training”:
1. Fast from food one day a week. This isn’t just about skipping meals, but about redirecting that time and energy toward prayer and Scripture. Let your physical hunger remind you of your spiritual hunger for God.
2. Identify other areas for “fasting.” This could mean temporarily giving up social media, news consumption, a particular hobby, or anything else that tends to consume your time and attention. Use the freed-up moments to focus on your relationship with God.
3. Prioritize gathering with other believers. Make Sunday worship non-negotiable during this season. Make it a priority to come to the county wide worship and prayer evening on March 20 at Lighthouse Church (from 6:30-8), and also to join our Good Friday Service, on April 18 at Crosspointe Church (from 7-8:30)
It’s important to note that these practices aren’t meant to be burdensome rules. They’re invitations to experience more of God’s presence and power in our lives. Just as an athlete’s intense training leads to improved performance, these spiritual disciplines can lead to greater spiritual vitality and effectiveness in our walk with Christ.
As we consider embarking on this journey, we’re reminded of God’s gracious invitation in Isaiah 55:
“Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
This passage beautifully captures the heart of God in calling us to feast on His goodness. Even as we prepare for a season of “less,” we’re reminded that God’s grace is abundantly available to us. We don’t earn our place at His table through our spiritual disciplines; rather, these practices help us more fully receive and appreciate what He freely offers.
The imagery of communion – partaking in bread and wine as symbols of Christ’s body and blood – further reinforces this truth. Before we enter any period of fasting or intensified spiritual focus, we’re invited to feast at God’s table. This reminds us that all our spiritual endeavors flow from His grace, not our own efforts.
As we consider embracing these spiritual rhythms, it’s natural to feel some hesitation. Changing our routines and giving up comforts, even temporarily, can be challenging. But the potential benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. By creating space for more of God in our lives, we open ourselves to experience His presence and power in new ways.
Imagine emerging from a season of intentional spiritual focus feeling more alive in your faith, more attuned to God’s voice, and more empowered to live out His calling on your life. This isn’t about striving harder in our own strength, but about positioning ourselves to receive more of what God wants to pour into us.
So, as we approach this season, let’s challenge ourselves to embrace these spiritual rhythms. Let’s be willing to do a little less of the temporal so we can experience more of the eternal. May we, like Jesus, emerge from our times of focused devotion “in the power of the Spirit,” ready to impact our world for God’s kingdom.