Grace, Not Grind (Selah Part 5)
Learning to Walk in the Rhythms of Grace
The world is still recovering from disruption. Whether from global crisis or personal upheaval, many find themselves in a state not quite burned out but far from thriving. This place—neither full of life nor fully broken—has a name: languishing. It’s a foggy middle ground where joy feels distant and momentum elusive. But in God's kingdom, there's an invitation to something far deeper than just surviving. It's the invitation to rest—and through rest, to be replenished.
The State of the Soul and the Heart of God
Scripture reveals God’s deep desire to renew our weary souls. Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV) declares, "For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish." This promise is not just poetic. It is a lifeline. Our God is a restorer—He does not desire for His people to live foggy, numb, or burned-out lives. He wants us to thrive.
But thriving isn’t found in striving. It’s found in surrender.
Reaching the Nations—and the Need for Rest
Those serving in missions often carry an immense weight. With a global call to evangelize unreached people groups, the pressures can be overwhelming. As shared, nearly three billion people remain unreached. And yet, the call is not just for a few. It’s for the whole Church. Each of us has a role: to go, to give, to pray, to send.
Mission work is beautiful but often grueling. Studies show that 80% of missionaries don’t finish their term. Many suffer from depression or extreme stress, especially in their first years. Why? Because we often forget the need to rest—to abide.
Without abiding in Christ, our souls become like untended streams. Dallas Willard once shared a story about a town that neglected the old man who kept their springs clean. Over time, the water grew brackish, the beauty faded, and health declined. Only when they brought back the keeper of the springs did life return.
We are the keepers of our souls. Without rest—true, spiritual rest—our inner life suffers, and so does our ability to give life to others.
The Yoke of Jesus: Grace, Not Grind
Jesus offers a different way. In Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV), He calls out:
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
In His day, religious leaders weighed people down with 2,000+ rules. But Jesus offered something freeing: not absence of work, but rest in the work. Not striving, but abiding.
In the metaphor of the yoke, Jesus walks with us—leading, steadying, teaching. Like a seasoned ox paired with a young one, He disciples us step by step. When we walk in sync with Him, the burden becomes light, and the pace becomes sustainable.
Surrendering to the Dance
To walk with God is to learn His rhythm. It’s like dancing. At times, we may step on His toes—out of sync, trying to lead. But as we surrender, He leads us in a beautiful, unforced rhythm of grace. We learn to move at His pace, not ours.
Jesus often withdrew to be with the Father. He lived from a place of intimacy, not urgency. His work flowed from that wellspring. So must ours.
Surrender is not passive. It’s active trust. Galatians 2:20 (ESV) reminds us: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me..." Our lives are no longer our own. The Christian life is not about control but about trust and obedience.
A Call to Repentance and Refreshing
Many of us are simply out of step. We’ve tried to lead the dance. We’ve carried what Jesus never asked us to carry. But Acts 3:19 (ESV) calls us to return: "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Refreshing comes through repentance. When we admit our need and come back into alignment, the streams of our souls run clear again.
Whether serving across the globe or simply seeking to follow Jesus faithfully in daily life, the call is the same: walk with Him. Learn from Him. Live in His rhythms.
Reflection Questions
In what areas of life are you trying to carry the burden alone instead of walking yoked with Jesus?
How can you cultivate rhythms of rest that restore your soul and keep your stream flowing clean?
What might surrender look like for you today—in your plans, your time, or your calling?