I recently had a conversation with a friend. We discussed how we haven’t quite got in the groove for this new year. You know the groove I speak of, don’t you? It’s a rhythm, and I’m not referring to musical beats or movements on the dance floor! There are various rhythms in life. With the new year upon us, many people, including myself, are re-evaluating our lives. We’re looking for ways to improve our rhythms, our patterns of behavior. Occasionally, I simply need a new rhythm. Whether it’s in my physical fitness goals or other areas, I often feel like I need to “get my act together.” I shoulder all the responsibility, thinking I can do it completely on my own!

Maybe you’re like me and want to get physically fit, or maybe it’s something else. Whatever the case, we all tend to have something we want to improve, right? 

Pastor Chris recently talked with somebody at church. He asked the person, “How is your walk with God?” The person replied, “Man, I’m trying.” Chris responded with, “Trees don’t try.” He thought of Yoda from Star Wars. The famous line Yoda is known for is, “Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.” 

Trees don’t try. We sure do try though, don’t we? We white knuckle our faith and tend to have a “new year, new me” mentality and seem to think we’ve got this. Whatever the thing is, we think WE can do it solo. We must remember we don’t have to go it alone; we have God. By abiding in Him, healthy rhythms are easier to create. This may take time. It might not happen overnight, but with the Lord’s help and biblical application, new, healthy rhythms will come.

Remain close to Jesus. Abide in Him. Rest in the goodness of His grace. I love the Message translation of Matthew 11:28-30.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me –

watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

I encourage you to remember trees don’t’ try. May you simply abide and grow in the unforced rhythms of God’s grace.   

By Kristy Ensor