Cultivating Godly Rhythms
A common question I receive—especially in our era obsessed with "productivity"—is how to balance your spiritual life with your work life. We desire to squeeze the maximum value out of every hour, whether we are serving a client or pursuing personal goals.
I understand the question, but the simple answer is: there is no such thing as spiritual and work life balance, or perhaps, life balance in general. Balance requires two opposing things to cancel each other out. This perspective is flawed because our lives do not belong to us; they belong entirely to Jesus.
The Bible establishes a comprehensive view of our effort. We are called to "work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23–24). This thought is expanded further in 1 Corinthians 10:31: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Since everything we do is meant to glorify God, there's no need to "balance" our life against our faith; our faith is meant to permeate all of our life. With this perspective established, let's focus on how to create better rhythms that naturally allow for necessary times of rest, work, worship, and relationship.
1. The Rhythm of Rest
Rest is not a luxury; it is a divine command and necessity. The Sabbath command in Exodus 20:8–11 establishes a fixed pattern of rest for our physical and mental health. Beyond physical rest, Hebrews 4:9–11 calls us to enter into God's spiritual rest—a restful reliance on His finished work rather than on our own endless striving. This rhythm protects us from burnout and anxiety.
2. The Rhythm of Work and Stewardship
Our work, whether vocational or domestic, is part of our worship. We are called to be diligent, not lazy. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us to start with intention: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Once committed, we must be diligent, remembering that 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." This rhythm honors God by using the talents and resources He has entrusted to us.
3. The Rhythm of Devotion
This is the rhythm that fuels the rest. It is the intentional setting aside of time to connect with the source of our strength. Psalm 5:3 shows us the priority of starting the day with God: "O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch." Devotion isn't confined to a quiet time; Ephesians 5:18–20 calls us to continuous worship, to be "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart."
4. The Rhythm of Community
We were not designed to lead or live in isolation. The early church provides our model in Acts 2:42, showing us a commitment to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. We need others to encourage us, as Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together... but encouraging one another."
Practical Steps: Audit Your Time
The path to integrating these rhythms starts with clarity. Take some time this week to audit your schedule and see where your time is truly going:
Devote and Measure: When are you currently devoting time to each of these four rhythms? Be honest about what is truly happening versus what you wish was happening.
Fix and Flex: What parts of your current schedule are fixed (non-negotiable commitments) and what parts are flexible?
Adjust: Adjust your schedule to match your priorities, intentionally blocking out time for rest, devotion, and community alongside your productive work.