Daily Rhythms

 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)

(Transformed) “That word is used one time in all the gospels, namely, about Jesus on the mountain of transfiguration (the mountain of “transformation” — same word, metemorphōthē): “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light” (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2). (1)

(rhythm – a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.)

“Our core being is expressed in language that follows the rhythms of our life, inhalation, and exhalation. We cannot breathe out what we have not first breathed in. The breath that God breaths into us in daily Pentecost is breathed out in our prayers, ‘telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11). – Eugene Peterson(1)

God has made a way through Jesus to enter his presence so that we can worship him and experience transformation by his power. Our minds are the daily target of the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Giving into negative thinking, uninformed by Scripture – is harmful to our souls. 

Departing from God’s way of renewing our minds – disturbs the rhythm and design he has for our lives. Practicing the presence of God must become a daily habit. 

Deep meditation and contemplation of Scripture bring life to our souls.

Idolatry is placing anything in the path between God and ourselves. Unnrenewed minds will focus on worldly success and mind-numbing entertainment. And slip into patterns of carnal thinking.

Life is about rhythms: The Sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening. The tide goes in and out. The planets revolve around the sun – seasons come and go. So it is vitally important to establish a daily rhythm in our prayer lives – like going to sleep at night and waking up each morning. I find it helpful to start the day and end it in prayer. 

The bottom line for me is: Will I allow idols that compete for my affection for God every day to disrupt my time with him?

We must guard ourselves against those things that seek to displace Jesus from the throne of our hearts. Our goal is to renew our minds daily.

(1) Eugene Peterson, Answering God, page 60.