There’s a particular kind of quiet that shows up in early January—the hush after the noise fades and the pressure returns: Fix it. Prove it. Become better—fast.
Resolutions aren’t wrong. They often come from honest desires. But they can turn heavy quickly because they’re usually built on intensity and willpower. When life interrupts (and it always does), resolutions can become a scoreboard: success means you’re “disciplined,” failure means you’re not. One missed day becomes a reason to quit.
Rhythms are different.
A resolution says, “I will.”
A rhythm says, “I return.”
Resolutions focus on outcomes. Rhythms focus on patterns. Resolutions are often brittle—one crack feels like failure. Rhythms are resilient. They make room for real life, for exhaustion, for grief, for busy seasons… and still bring you back to what’s true.
And spiritually, that matters.
Scripture often uses slow words: abide, remain, walk, grow, wait, be still. God’s work in us is rarely rushed. The slow way doesn’t rely on dramatic overhauls. It practices small devotion over time—faithfulness instead of frenzy.
Why We Rush (and What It Costs)
Most rushing isn’t about time. It’s about fear:
- fear of falling behind
- fear of being exposed
- fear that stillness will reveal what we’ve been avoiding
But the cost of rushing is disconnection—losing awareness of God, ourselves, and the people right in front of us.
Rhythms restore presence.
How to Choose a Rhythm Instead of a Resolution
Here’s a gentle shift you can make this week:
- Name the longing beneath the goal.
Not “read the Bible more,” but “I want to feel anchored.” - Choose something small enough to repeat on a hard day.
Two minutes counts. One verse counts. One breath counts. - Attach it to something you already do.
Coffee. Commute. Brushing teeth. Sitting on the bed. - Expect imperfection—and plan to return.
Rhythms aren’t streaks. They’re returns.
A Few Quiet Rhythms to Borrow
Pick one—just one—for the next few weeks:
- Two-Minute Return (daily):
“Jesus, I return to You. Give me grace for today.” - Breath Prayer (in the car):
Inhale: “You are here.”
Exhale: “I am held.” - One Verse, Slowly (evening):
Read one verse and ask: What does this reveal about God? What is my invitation? - Evening Release (before sleep):
“I release what I couldn’t finish. I receive Your rest.”
When You Miss a Day
Old mindset: “I failed.”
New mindset: “I return.”
Return is the whole spiritual life in one word.
Choosing rhythms is choosing formation over pressure. It’s walking with God at the pace of love—steady, attentive, unhurried.
Choose the slow way.
Choose what you can sustain.
And when you drift, don’t spiral—just return.
With you in the quiet,
– The Quiet Chaplain
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