In college, I sat down every morning and planned my day in hour-long increments. In addition to my responsibilities as a student, I was a member of a sorority and a volunteer leader for a parachurch ministry. Occasionally, I popped into practices for the women’s lacrosse club or filled in during a game. Most days, my “responsibilities” made me feel genuinely happy. But the pace was relentless. I started breaking my daily schedule into 15-minute increments to ensure I had time to shower and eat.
Looking back, I see my younger self racing around, trying to convince the world that she was important. Her little 15-minute-by-15-minute schedules were proof: she was going places. Now, I am a wife, mother, and a sometimes-writer. I often see that girl in the mirror—the same one who feels she can’t afford to waste a moment, so she lets no one down, most of all, herself.
But God is trying to teach me that my time is not my own. Leviticus 23 outlines the rhythms of life for Israelites. And when I first read the chapter, three things jumped off the page. First, God makes specific, clear, and practical demands on people’s time and resources. Second, these demands inspire an adverse reaction in me that I like to call “obligation creep”—that feeling I get when my commitments outweigh my desire or ability to keep them. Third, the chapter shows me that rituals matter.
When we race through life, jumping from minute to minute, hour to hour, it’s easy to forget that God is omnipresent, above time. Our days are not our own. Leviticus 23 reminds me of this same reality. Our days are not ours to maximize, but reminders of God who is over it all. This change in perception has the power to lift the clouds of resentment and fear off of my shoulders. With this mindset, I can see intentional rest, unplanned interruptions, personal setbacks, and unforeseen diagnoses not as delays, but as God’s goodness.
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30 thoughts on "Rhythms of Remembrance"
Amen
Tanner’s illness made me slow down. As he progressed he needed me more and more. I regret not just sitting down with him more. I was helping out at his house instead. So was I really slowing down?? Or just a shift in my daily routine?
I was thinking as I was praying this morning. The world is so divided, so full of hate. We are really here to share the gospel. Are we failing as christians? So many have turned away. Is it because they felt judgement, unwelcome, or just plain didn’t want that relationship with Christ because of what it would ask of them? Is it just following along with God’s word that people will become more and more self-centered? It made me look at myself. Where can I improve in being Christ like.
Kelly (Neo) thank you for sharing this! Taylor, praying for you
Today’s reading was much needed today.. I’m facing the same issues as the author shares, especially with “obligation creep” which often leads me to overwhelm. I started feeling sick yesterday and am out from work today, but a nagging part of me feels like I can’t truly rest. At the same time, it’s so hard to focus and think straight. The good thing is, it’s not COVID (probably the flu). The bad thing is, my new job’s health insurance hasn’t kicked in yet and my old job dropped coverage this month… I fall right in between the health insurance gap. I still have my husband’s health insurance but it’s still on my record as secondary, so using it now would mess up his payments. Prayers would be much appreciated… I need to see a doctor or urgent care to get a note if I’m out from work tomorrow, but I’m also hesitant on where to go because of the costs. I’m also trying not to think about the work and tasks that are piling up because I don’t have much energy for anything except rest. I remember coming back to Christ about 7 years ago when I got really sick and couldn’t do anything besides rest. It makes me think that God is using this time (and this study) to remind me to slow down and that it’s not my time, it’s His. And to trust Him, to stop overthinking and worrying.
Praying for your requests, sisters. <3
I love the devotional for today! I really didn’t know what to make of the chapters for today, so thankful for the insight. I think I al already feeling like my tome is not my own. I have a toddler and a newborn, so it’s hard to be on control of my time. I have been annoyed with this reality, but it’s nice to see this is the way God has intended it. My times wasn’t meant to be my own, and he can use any distraction or interruption to make me more like him. ❤️
Slowing down is so important. I love that I have been forced to slow down and properly digest this book, I have learned so much. Again, can’t recommend Chuck Missler’s series on Leviticus (YouTube) to go alongside this reading plan. It has made me slow down even more.
The concept of “our” time is also discussed in a book I read, I rarely see people talking about this but very thankful to come across it again in today’s devotional. When something unexpected happens, we tend to feel robbed of our time. But truly our time is not ours, God has the control on the numbered days of our lives (Job 14:5 NLT: You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer). This reminds me of the futility of the work without God. It’s considered dead works, and dead weights we put on ourselves, which the devil disguised to put on us under a good purpose, but what can be good without God? Hence it’s all futile by the Bible’s standard like King Solomon has concluded after a lifelong of many accomplishments and wisdom. Futility contributes to wasting our precious time. If devil can deceive, he will deceive and rob us of anything. Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Be blessed dear sisters.
I’m a to do list girl. Sometimes it’s a hindrance rather than a help. For example I always mean to come back and comment later in the day but I get involved with my to do list and well you know the rest. It doesn’t happen. Today I vowed to do better. Dorothy May God bless you as you bless your sister. Also let her know that her identity is not wrapped up in the fact that she uses an oxygen tank. Before I had my hip replacement I didn’t want to use a cane because I thought I would be old. But the reality is I needed it. Rebecca I’m old enough to remember that only a handful of places were open on Sunday. Sharon Jersey Girl praying for you during this season of grief. Taylor praying for your anxiety and relationships. So many comments are so good. Thank you Shes for what you add to the discussion each day. Gramsiesue thanking God for the good report. I noticed that Angie and Erb have been absent for a while. Praying that all is well with them. I will be having surgery on my hand Monday(Dequervians) I’m praying for no complications and healing. Also I’m going through a total bathroom renovation. It’s not for the weak. Be blessed sisters♥️
I love a good long to do list. I often feel anxious without one. I agree this book has a lot to do with gratitude. Above all the goodness of God is what is most important. I too need to remember my dependence on him.
This devotion is what I needed right now in my life with all that is going on. I’m so overwhelmed at times but then I try to remember to turn it all over to the Lord and He will get me through. I’m helping my sister pack a house that’s been in the family since about the summer of 1970, plus packing certain items at my apartment to take with me.
Sisters be blessed and look to the Lord for ALL your needs.
Beautifully written
Angie Mills- thank you for your breakdown of the text. I appreciate it and look forward to seeing it everyday.
J Raven, I so relate to you: I like routines and find I can resent the thing/person who brings change to my perceived order. I am trying to work on this and not let my routines rule me, causing me to miss out on what God has for me.
This devotional really helped me wake up to how I view my days. Our son is 10 months old and having a daily “schedule” really helps my anxiety, but boy oh boy when a nap is thrown off I still get anxious, BUT GOD. I know he is raising this child with me and I need not worry. Thank you for the reminder Claire that time belongs to HIM as does these precious soul he was kind enough to bless us with.
I remember a time, years ago, when nothing was open on Sundays except a few gas stations and drugstores. And no sports activities were scheduled on Sundays. I’m sure that’s hard for the younger generation to fathom. But Sundays were set aside for church and family time. It is just one way our Christian culture has gradually slid into a secular one. So I am reminded of the importance of being a light in this dark world and using the time God has given me in ways that will glorify Him and draw others to Him.
Dear Sharon, Jersey Girl, praying for comfort and peace today and the days to come. Jennifer Loves Jesus, thank you for that beautiful prayer this morning. Blessings sisters.
Again I am falling in love with the book of Leviticus. The theme of all these feasts is gratitude! The debt of gratitude is all the debt we can pay. Gratitude that death passes us over, gratitude for deliverance, gratitude for provision, gratitude for God’s faithful love and that Christ is coming back for us, gratitude for the forgiveness of sins and not only forgiveness but that God remembers them no more, gratitude that he shelters as we walk through this life. When it all comes down it’s all about gratitude for Jesus. Jesus is the light of the world and the bread of life. We are to keep our light burning and shining just as Aaron had to keep the light burning in the tabernacle. The only way we can do this is to spend time with God, it is our first priority.
“This change in perception has the power to lift the clouds of resentment and fear off of my shoulders.” This was a powerful statement to read this morning. I like routines and find I can resent the thing/person who brings change to my perceived order. How can I ever carry love for someone while actively resenting them (or their intrusion on “my” time. God has a beautiful way of convicting my heart.
I fully relate to that “college girl” she was referring to in the commentary… and how much that girl followed me into adulthood, parenthood, occupationally, etc. Part of it is personality- I like being challenged and I enjoy activity. The problem comes when I don’t balance those things out. I joke that I then have a Personality Disorder… I’ve taken the parts of me that God individualized for me and instead of using them for His glory, I use them for my own sense of self worth and completely disorder what was meant to be good. Being back in school for seminary is definitely bringing this out in me in full force. The demands are unbelievably high and it’s on top of having 3 young children and still trying to work part time and leading Bible study and staying on PTO board for my older kid’s elementary school and… you name it. I struggle because I feel purpose in all of those roles and therefore am finding myself with no margin. If one disruption occurs (car problem, sick child, slight schedule change) it ALL falls apart.
I’ve decided I’m going to start a “rhythm of fasting”- choosing something that 1-2 days each week I fast/practice “self denial” with and use that practice as a reminder of the goodness of my God and that a healthy relationship with Him is one where I continuously recognize my dependency on Him.
Amen Katie. Just yes!
Time is spent. Money is spent. What is my return on investment? There are some apps that help manage every dollar for budgeting and financial goals. I have never been able to balance one out because I felt the need to leave some money free and unbudgeted. Silly comparison here after reading Leviticus, but it makes sense to me this morning. If my time is not managed and intentional, too many moments go unspent, or spent unwisely. Each moment I pass through leads to the one I am standing in now. Where do I want to be? With God. At peace. Content. Yes, that is where I long to be. If I am not, what can I do to attain this wealth and wisdom with God? Time spent invested on Him, His ways, and following His commands. The rythymns of remembrance, sabbath rest, celebrations and festivals, all woven throughout the year as budgeted time on purpose. I feel more at peace in obedience to God than anything this world provides. It took me some learning the hard way, but I am learning. And as I learn more from the scriptures, spending time listening to the ways God spoke to the ancient Isrealites, I see the intense purpose of love for His people. As I consider how I can honor God and love Him more with my time, I am challenged to be more intentional with my free and unbudgeted time. Every minute is His anyway, so I want to spend it with Him and for Him above all. Father God, Thank You for Your presence. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for teaching me gently. Thank You for the grace. Thank You for the strength to bear hard things. Thank You for the rythyms of remembrance of who You are and Whose I am. Thank You for Jesus who came to fulfill the laws and ritual requirements. Help me weave the practices of honoring You as You would have me do here and now. Show me the ways I am lacking, and help me step into Your will more fully day after day. I love You Lord. Amen.
Amen! Love your analysis.
Yes Churchmouse, nailed it!
I agree that rituals, rules, and schedules are important to keep you diligent and on track, and to set aside rest, but we also must know that God sent Jesus to redeem us and set forth a new way. We can really get comfortable in routine and it becomes mundane, and we can recite from memory while thinking about our to do list! We must learn to strike a balance to uphold a reverence to God and his almighty sovereignty and glory, yet know he us our friend that we can access anytime we want!
Have a great day She’s!
Thinking of you, Sharon, Jersey Girl.
May your family have unity today and peace.
God be near to you all. <3
@Angie Mills I love your comment and the ways you tie it into the present! Thank you for your thoughts.
I’m reflecting on this current season of life. I really did work myself to a mental breakdown. I thought God had given me so many college games, so He must have known I could handle it all. Clearly I couldn’t. But I’m glad I was obedient and turned back some of the games to rest, and not push myself to uphold my commitments for fear of what other people would think about me. I liked the part from today’s devotion “God is our rest. He values rest and makes it a priority for us.” I really don’t give myself enough time to rest. Once this field hockey season is over I want to set better boundaries to preserve my need to REST. When I am well rested I can show up better to my job, my family, friends, boyfriend, my reffing, etc.
God established these holy days to point His people to what He would do through Jesus.
The SABBATH DAY is a weekly day of rest. This points to Jesus as our Eternal Rest. He revived our soul. We still celebrate this each week as we gather on Sundays in our local churches.
PASSOVER pointed to Jesus being the Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. He is our Redeemer. We still remember this each Lord’s Supper and every Good Friday.
The FESTIVAL OF UNLEAVENED BREAD pointed to Jesus being the Bread of Life. His body was broken for us. His death gave us life. We remember this truth every time we participate in the Lord’s Supper.
The FEAST OF FIRSTFRUITS pointed to Jesus as the Firstfruit from the dead. He is the first to be resurrected to live forever. He is our Life. Because of His resurrection, we experience new life with Him now. One day, we will ride to live with Him eternally. We celebrate this truth every Easter. We should celebrate this truth with our church family every Sunday.
The FESTIVAL OF HARVEST or FEAST OF WEEKS pointed to Jesus as the Harvest-gatherer. He sent His Holy Spirit to live within His people, giving us the power to live by the Spirit so we can help in reaping the harvest of believers that He has prepared. We celebrate this when we remember or celebrate Pentecost.
The FESTIVAL OF TRUMPETS points to the day when Jesus will return with a trumpet blast. We look forward to the time when Jesus will return in order to usher in His kingdom perfectly and completely.
The DAY OF ATONEMENT pointed to Jesus as our Atoning Sacrifice. He bore our sins on the cross outside of the city of Jerusalem. We remember this day every Good Friday.
The FESTIVAL OF SHELTERS points to Jesus being our Refuge. He put on flesh and dwelt among us so that we can dwell in Him. We remember this truth every Christmas when we celebrate Jesus’ putting on flesh and living among us.
The lights in the Tabernacle remind us of Jesus. It was made with the purest olive oil. As one crushes olives in order to make oil to nourish us and give us life, so Jesus was crushed for us. His death gives us life and His life is light in a dark world.
The bread in the Tabernacle also reminds us of Jesus. As we continue to abide in Christ and allow Him to dwell in us, He will renew our spirit through His Holy Spirit within us and through His Word.
Every holy day or time is a time for us to rest and remember. God is our rest. He values rest for us and places it as a priority for us. In our rest, we are to stop and remember what God has done for us. Most of these holy days are feast days on which people had food as part of their remembering. However, the Day of Atonement was a day of fasting and that helped the people to focus on God’s stoning work. Whatever rests, holidays , feasts, or fasts we observe, we should observe them to God’s glory and use different objects to help us remember and focus on Christ. These days are teaching tools for us and others.
Definitely a reminder that our resources and our time are not ours – they are from God and should be treated as such with respect and holiness. I think this can be so easy to overlook in the daily grind of life, but each moment can be done intentionally and each change in the plan can be taken as a sign from God to shift perspective and just be.
Father God let me always know in my heart Your plans are better. Amen
This reminder that our time is a gift from God has helped me to prioritize my quiet time with Him. When I feel pressed for time, I can ask myself, when I meet Him face to face, will He be more concerned with how many miles I walked on the treadmill, or how I chose to spend time with Him? With how many things I crossed off my to do list before 8am, or how I laid the list aside to sit with Him. He gives me my time, and asks me to give the first fruits of that time back to Him. And time with Him is how it was meant to be!
CHURCHMOUSE – yes and amen. How’s your ear?
From HRT: “The human heart is prone to forgetfulness and self-sufficiency. Israel was prone to forget God’s provision for them, their rescue from Egypt, and even the special covenant God had made with them. With forgetfulness comes a failure to give thanks for what God has done and worship Him for who He is. In response, God graciously fills the people’s calendar with days and meals to help fight against forgetfulness and keep their hearts close to Him.”
TAYLOR ❤
The challenge is to keep the rituals in their place and not elevate them above true worship. I can turn holy moments into mindless ones if I’m not careful. While structure is beneficial so too is yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives me permission to worship freely and respectfully. It is the intimate relationship I have with Jesus that is paramount over ritual.