In 1930 George Gershwin wrote, “ I’ve Got Rhythm.” This classic has been used in at least two major motion pictures, preformed by swing choirs as well as featured in countless other venues. Question. Where does the rhythm come from?
If creation reveals the thumbprint of God then rhythm reflects the grace of God. Rhythm is so built into the creative order one can scarcely imagine this world with out it. Like grace rhythm shows up everywhere.
Musical Rhythm
What do Bach, Beethoven, and Bob Seger have in common? Though the spectrum of these musicians may be extreme and two hundred years separate their physical existence the thread that will bind these artists together is rhythm.
I am a pastor and have heard every conceivable argument about what is “ proper music” for the church and must admit I often walk away and shake my head in disbelief at the ignorance of our day. There is no such thing as “Christian Music”. All of music is a gift from God. However there are Christian lyrics. The term Worship War was coined to describe the conflict created in the church as a younger generation entered into worship with a more contemporary rhythm.
Poetic Rhythm
The psalms are a poetic expression of worship and lament. No less than Fifty-Five of the psalms are addressed to the “Chief Musician”. David himself was a musician and understood the value of rhythm. While poetic form may vary and there may not always be rhyme there will be rhythm. There is a way in which the poem is to be read where rhythmic value is important. Robert Frost who was called the poet of the Twentieth Century would often emphasize the importance of voice and timing when reading and writing poetry.
Circadian Rhythm
Circadian rhythm refers to the biological clock inherit in all life forms from human to insect. When one boards a plain in Anchorage Alaska at midnight flying to the east coast, as I have often done, jet lag becomes a very real phenomenon. It is midnight and still daylight in Alaska. While flying east you are actually chasing the sun. It does something to the synchronization of the internal clock.
According to the Centre Of Circadian Biology and Medicine, “ Circadian rhythm is a biological process that oscillates with in an approximate Twenty-four hour period when there are no external timing cues." Basically a circadian rhythm is an internal daily biological clock. Another Medical Journal reports that, “ The brains circadian clock is a tiny cluster of neurons behind the eyes. This cluster of cells sends out signals that control the body’s daily rhythms.”
Cardiac Rhythm
Cardiac Rhythm is the rhythm of a beating heart. When the heart beats out of rhythm it is called arrhythmia and presents what could be a rather serious problem for the unfortunate patient. There are procedures to get the heart back in rhythm.
Tidal Rhythm
The oceans tides move in such rhythm we can predict high and low tide to the minute. Both Commercial and Sport Salt-Water fishermen have learned the necessity of fishing with the tide.
Why has God so orchestrated rhythm into the daily function of our earthly environment? I offer an opinion. He has given this world rhythm and invites us to dance. Rhythm flows from the Throne of Heaven drawing all who are willing to the very heart of God.
Remember the first dance you attended in middle school. The music was playing and the boys were on one side of the room standing in their huddle working up the nerve to approach the young ladies who were on the other side of the room. On the floor there were those who were dancing and those who were trying to dance.
Sitting around the perimeter were those who wanted to dance but were convinced they did not know how. Perhaps they felt like they did not have the rhythm or else they were simply too insecure to try because they had been taught all their life that dancing was wrong.
Where are you in this scenario? God has given this world rhythm and is inviting you to dance. If we are dancing with God we are walking in step with Him as he takes the lead. If you are one who knew what it was like to be in the dance, to walk in step with the one who created rhythm but now you find yourself sitting on the side feeling alone. I have good news for you. The grace of God is reaching out and extending a hand inviting you back on the floor for another dance. This too is a reflection of grace.
What do Bach, Beethoven, and Bob Seger have in common? Though the spectrum of these musicians may be extreme and two hundred years separate their physical existence the thread that will bind these artists together is rhythm.
I am a pastor and have heard every conceivable argument about what is “ proper music” for the church and must admit I often walk away and shake my head in disbelief at the ignorance of our day. There is no such thing as “Christian Music”. All of music is a gift from God. However there are Christian lyrics. The term Worship War was coined to describe the conflict created in the church as a younger generation entered into worship with a more contemporary rhythm.
Poetic Rhythm
The psalms are a poetic expression of worship and lament. No less than Fifty-Five of the psalms are addressed to the “Chief Musician”. David himself was a musician and understood the value of rhythm. While poetic form may vary and there may not always be rhyme there will be rhythm. There is a way in which the poem is to be read where rhythmic value is important. Robert Frost who was called the poet of the Twentieth Century would often emphasize the importance of voice and timing when reading and writing poetry.
Circadian Rhythm
Circadian rhythm refers to the biological clock inherit in all life forms from human to insect. When one boards a plain in Anchorage Alaska at midnight flying to the east coast, as I have often done, jet lag becomes a very real phenomenon. It is midnight and still daylight in Alaska. While flying east you are actually chasing the sun. It does something to the synchronization of the internal clock.
According to the Centre Of Circadian Biology and Medicine, “ Circadian rhythm is a biological process that oscillates with in an approximate Twenty-four hour period when there are no external timing cues." Basically a circadian rhythm is an internal daily biological clock. Another Medical Journal reports that, “ The brains circadian clock is a tiny cluster of neurons behind the eyes. This cluster of cells sends out signals that control the body’s daily rhythms.”
Cardiac Rhythm
Cardiac Rhythm is the rhythm of a beating heart. When the heart beats out of rhythm it is called arrhythmia and presents what could be a rather serious problem for the unfortunate patient. There are procedures to get the heart back in rhythm.
Tidal Rhythm
The oceans tides move in such rhythm we can predict high and low tide to the minute. Both Commercial and Sport Salt-Water fishermen have learned the necessity of fishing with the tide.
Why has God so orchestrated rhythm into the daily function of our earthly environment? I offer an opinion. He has given this world rhythm and invites us to dance. Rhythm flows from the Throne of Heaven drawing all who are willing to the very heart of God.
Remember the first dance you attended in middle school. The music was playing and the boys were on one side of the room standing in their huddle working up the nerve to approach the young ladies who were on the other side of the room. On the floor there were those who were dancing and those who were trying to dance.
Sitting around the perimeter were those who wanted to dance but were convinced they did not know how. Perhaps they felt like they did not have the rhythm or else they were simply too insecure to try because they had been taught all their life that dancing was wrong.
Where are you in this scenario? God has given this world rhythm and is inviting you to dance. If we are dancing with God we are walking in step with Him as he takes the lead. If you are one who knew what it was like to be in the dance, to walk in step with the one who created rhythm but now you find yourself sitting on the side feeling alone. I have good news for you. The grace of God is reaching out and extending a hand inviting you back on the floor for another dance. This too is a reflection of grace.
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