Rhythms: Part Three

written by: Chris Hartenstein

Change is never easy, but always good. Especially when it’s in tandem with what our Dad is doing in the world around us! But what does it look like to align ourselves with our heavenly Dad’s purpose?

We often measure life by our impact instead of intimate fellowship with our Dad. Because of this, our rhythms regularly reflect doing things for Him more than just being a part of something with Him. Which leads us away from Him, not closer. Our lives look frantic, overloaded, and we are deeply dissatisfied. However, taking the time to be intimate with God allows us to know what our rhythms should look like and what our Dad is up to in the world.

So let's look at Jesus, our ultimate example…

Jesus was intimate with His Dad. His focus was first and foremost on their relationship. This was clear in the rhythms Jesus modeled and taught throughout Scripture. Here are just a few examples of how Jesus’ relationship with his Dad influenced his regular rhythms:

- He went off to a quiet place often. (Gospels of John and Mark)
- He stated that he came to do the Father’s will. (John 12, 14, 17)
- He came to bring the Father's Kingdom. (Luke 4:18)
- He discussed their oneness. (John 17)

Jesus wasn’t just reading the Torah and going to the temple, or being a good Christian who does good things. It was more about sharing his heart while being present and listening to his Dad’s heart.

Through this intimacy, Jesus received all he needed from his Dad as a beloved son. He knew what His dad was up to and set the rhythms according to what he truly needed. Because his focus remained on intimacy and not impact, his message was world-changing. The same is true for us. Our heavenly Dad desires intimacy with us and will teach us what rhythms we need to be doing a long the way.

Calibration:
- Would you say your rhythms reflect intimacy or impact? (Deep relationship with your heavenly Dad or outcome, results, etc)
- Do you see the truth in how Jesus lived?
- What keeps you from making intimacy a priority over impact?
- Ask Jesus to help you change your focus and shape your rhythms. Then act on it!