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Unforced Rhythms: Why Daily Devotions Aren't for All of Us
Well-intended points of discipleship have created a spiritual angst in many believers' lives. The tone of this spiritual upbringing has created an undercurrent of perfectionism that leads to despair, as well as a faulty mind-set that focuses on "pleasing" God. Unforced Rhythms offers a life-giving perspective that gives freedom to believers to engage with God according to their natural Life Rhythm. While there is a daily Life Rhythm, not everyone lives life to the beat of daily. Others may discover they live life to a weekly/monthly rhythm; or seasonal/yearly. Find freedom in your own rhythm and embrace the way you naturally engage with God.
208 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 29, 2022
After hearing a comment I made in Bible study two or three months ago, our assistant pastor loaned me this book, suggesting I might find it helpful. The sub-title summarizes the premise of the book. The author clarifies that her purpose is not to detract from those who find daily devotions to be beneficial. Her goal is to help those who struggle with daily devotions because they are not wired the same. She states that she struggled with daily devotions until a co-worker shared some work he had done on the different rhythms we have. Some people do well on a steady daily routine. Others function better on a weekly/monthly routine. And a number of people function on a seasonal/annual routine. I appreciated when she shared that the critical key is to find our own rhythm and then determine what works best with our rhythm. People who have a seasonal/annual rhythm can easily become frustrated by attempts to force them into a routine of daily devotions. The devotions become a chore rather than a means of drawing close to God and building that relationship. The important key is to find ways to spend time with God within our rhythm in order to strengthen the relationship rather than trying to force ourselves into a mold that does not fit. Having daily devotions just because it works for others tends to make an idol of the devotions because they become the emphasis rather than putting God first. Although daily devotions have been a tremendous benefit to many Christians, the author clearly explains that we can draw near to God on a basis that fits our rhythm. By figuring out our rhythm and matching our time with God to our rhythm, we can grow with Him and be a greater blessing to others. I recommend this book to all Christians.
November 7, 2019
I have read a myriad of books on Spiritual Disciplines, but this one was incredibly interesting and, dare I say, freeing! The author actually suggests that the Lord does NOT make everyone the same! Imagine that!
The first part of the book reviews her own history and frustrations with trying to practice various Spiritual Disciplines, specifically the all-important "Quiet Time." As she discovered that she could not stick with a Daily Devotional Time for more than a few days at best, she would end up feeling defeated, guilty, and ashamed. This cycle went on for years, until through a variety of circumstances she discovered that not everyone was made for a Daily Ritual. Some people are Weekly/ Monthly types, while others are (Gasp!), Seasonal/Yearly people.
This doesn't mean they only pray once a year, but it means not everyone sees a calendar in terms of hours and days. Some people see things from week to week, and others keep even the longer view in mind. And the Holy Spirit is able to work with each of us, and all of us, however we are.
I was greatly relieved myself as I read this book. In earlier years, I was a "Daily Devotional/Daily Quiet Time" person, because that's how my life functioned. But my life is no longer like that. I didn't know the Lord was okay with that until I read this book.
Good to know!
The first part of the book reviews her own history and frustrations with trying to practice various Spiritual Disciplines, specifically the all-important "Quiet Time." As she discovered that she could not stick with a Daily Devotional Time for more than a few days at best, she would end up feeling defeated, guilty, and ashamed. This cycle went on for years, until through a variety of circumstances she discovered that not everyone was made for a Daily Ritual. Some people are Weekly/ Monthly types, while others are (Gasp!), Seasonal/Yearly people.
This doesn't mean they only pray once a year, but it means not everyone sees a calendar in terms of hours and days. Some people see things from week to week, and others keep even the longer view in mind. And the Holy Spirit is able to work with each of us, and all of us, however we are.
I was greatly relieved myself as I read this book. In earlier years, I was a "Daily Devotional/Daily Quiet Time" person, because that's how my life functioned. But my life is no longer like that. I didn't know the Lord was okay with that until I read this book.
Good to know!
February 10, 2021
Daily devotions are taught as the corner stone of a spiritual life, but what if you aren't a daily person? This is the question that Jackson delves into - how can we develop a devotional life that is in synch with the person we are.
Leaning into the idea that each person has their own innate rhythm, she explores what a faith life can look like if you aren't someone who can do the same thing day in and day out. She explains what a life rhythm is (weekly, monthly, seasonally/annually) and walks the reader through a series of reflections on how to identify their own life rhythm. As a non-daily person, the text gave me the vocabulary to explain how my own rhythm works and what that can look like in a faith practice. While I already knew I wasn't someone who could do daily devotions, I really lacked the ability to explain why. Jackson's book is an excellent first step into reimagining a non-daily devotional life but it really fails to provide solid examples of what a devotional can look like for a non-daily person. You come away with a few ideas for the weekly, monthly type, but the annual people out there are going to have to keep looking for ways to develop their own practice - a shortcoming that knocked a star off the rating.
Leaning into the idea that each person has their own innate rhythm, she explores what a faith life can look like if you aren't someone who can do the same thing day in and day out. She explains what a life rhythm is (weekly, monthly, seasonally/annually) and walks the reader through a series of reflections on how to identify their own life rhythm. As a non-daily person, the text gave me the vocabulary to explain how my own rhythm works and what that can look like in a faith practice. While I already knew I wasn't someone who could do daily devotions, I really lacked the ability to explain why. Jackson's book is an excellent first step into reimagining a non-daily devotional life but it really fails to provide solid examples of what a devotional can look like for a non-daily person. You come away with a few ideas for the weekly, monthly type, but the annual people out there are going to have to keep looking for ways to develop their own practice - a shortcoming that knocked a star off the rating.
August 25, 2019
what a refreshing point of view this is on the practice of a daily devotion. as someone who falls most into the weekly/monthly rhythm, i have found much freedom through the ideas in this book. there is no singular right way to go about spiritual formation. as long as you are growing and using the tools god has given us to grow closer to him and more like jesus, there is no shame in setting aside longer time a few times a month to dive into ideas rather than use a few minutes a day to spend time focusing on god. definitely would recommend.
October 22, 2024
Thought provoking. Jackson challenges her readers to consider what their life rhythms are and to choose spiritual practices that align with those rhythms. This invites freedom for those of us who have struggled with daily devotional times .
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