Psalm 116 says,
"Be at rest once more, O my soul,
For the Lord has been good to you."
REST
The concept of rest comes up often in Psalms. In fact, the more I read through them as one complete collection of poems, the more I hear "rest" emerge as almost a central posture that the writers are dwelling on, delighting in or pleading for.
"My soul finds rest in God alone." -Psalm 62:1
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone" - Psalm 62:5
"My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure." - Psalm 16:9
There is something about the Psalmist's relationship with God that "rests" him.
It makes me think of the pauses in between notes in a piano piece. The notes that are played are beautiful, but the rests give the music rhythm, melody and beauty. Can you imagine a song without any rhythm? Can you imagine a piano piece with non-stop key striking? It would sound like...NOISE.
Which makes me think about the quality of my life's musical score. What sound is my life producing?
SEMINARY NOISES
A couple reflection questions for Seminary students, in the middle of a semester filled with life, ministry, work, academics, friends and family:
- Is it possible in this season of life to make beautiful music with your life?
- How does I embrace "resting in God" with productivity? Commitments?
- Do I justify a season of noise, knowing that it is temporary?
- What does "solitude" contribute to the rest/rhythm of my soul?
RHYTHM
If I may encourage you to find a rhythm for your soul, your body, your mind and your heart this semester that enables your life's posture to embrace a deep centering (rest) IN God.
- What does it look like to balance constant connectivity of online learning with a rhythm of disconnection?
- What rhythms of the Church (Sabbath, Retreat, Daily Office, Community, etc.) can I explore that will encourage my soul's desire to stay in God?
- How can my MinGroup and/or Facilitator assist in balancing it all? What permissions do I need to give them?
May God envelop your soul with grace. May God nurture your resting and your activity. May this season of life produce beautiful symphonies, songs that point to the grace of God in the midst of life's busyness. Amen.
