A Soul Throbbing Fullness
Do you feel a little stuck in where you are today? Maybe it’s time to change your pattern and go against the grain.
Good morning beautiful people,
I hope we’re all doing well? First of all, I want to apologise for my absence last week. I mean I wanted to write but lately, I’ve really been getting into this thing called ‘rest and enjoyment. I knew it was essential but honestly, some of you none workaholics have really been enjoying wow! #Cantrelate
I’m learning sha!
I’ve recently been reading ‘The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry’ by John Mark Comer, and I reached a chapter called ‘Sabbath’. And yes we all— to a degree, know what the sabbath is about, but whilst reading this book, I realised that I don’t have a wide nor deep enough understanding of this concept, specifically in what God has to really say about it himself. So I spent the last few weeks deeply studying it, In hopes of uncovering, understanding and immersing myself in whatever it may really about.
On pg 155 John Comer writes something that I decided to test out (This is me explaining my absence, ok folks). He writes…
If you’re new to the sabbath, a question to give shape to your practice is this: What could I do for twenty-four hours that would fill my soul with a deep, throbbing Joy? That would make me spontaneusly combust with wonder, awe, gratitude, and praise?
I read this like
In that one moment, I remembered all the times where I would combust with gratitude and praise, most of these being when I was far younger. I then started to think, was this Jesus guy on to something when he spoke to us about becoming like children in Matt 18:3.
I burst out in laughter.
It’s incredible how comedic God is.
In that moment I decided to go on a treasure hunt; A hunt to rediscover soul-filling moments of spontaneity. With the mission to not only uncover but to live and build pillars on those principles.
What does this mean?
Well to put it simply, I need new patterns.
Something new!
Last weekend, I began mapping areas of my life that give me a sense of joy and purpose. I.e, where do I feel most useful?
Upon reflection on previous engagements I had put an end to, I found that a small area that used to really bring me great Joy was my book club. Not only because I got to read with 100’s of incredible people, but also because they looked to me for guidance, responsibility and direction.
I had to lead.
Now leadership isn’t for everyone of course, but I’ve come to the realisation that I am a born leader, and I love to serve people. Most specifically because it’s an area that leaves me sore, but full. Nothing tests you more than people. Equally, nothing expands you more. And in my life, it’s quintessential that I expand in the areas of patience and kindness.
So as the soreness comes, the muscle grows. A Joyous cheat code to spiritual richness. Better be writing notes haha!
But yes, I noticed above all its challenges, I always left joyous. Even though I was exhausted, for an hour or two every week there was an area in this world where I was valuable to someone, or something. Now that might sound sad, but isn’t that all we really crave in this life— Belonging and purpose?
That’s one pillar.
I’m still on the path to rediscovering those areas of deep fulfilment but I’ve decided that in everything, it is best to be in environments where I can live fully expressed.
I dream big, I love largely, I give spontaneously and these are all important aspects of my life, which I aim to continue to expand in, and I can no longer try to fit in, but rather, I’ve found it imperative to be in environments that are capacious enough for my nature.
Over the bank holiday weekend, I asked myself this question again.
What could I do for twenty-four hours that would fill my soul with a deep, throbbing Joy? That would make me spontaneously combust with wonder, awe, gratitude, and praise?
I mapped out a plan of people I needed to see, I mapped out activities I needed to do, I let my hair down (Yes I have inches on these locs now ;) ) and decided to immerse myself for 24 hrs in all the things that fill my soul with deep throbbing Joy, and let me tell you the truth I loved it.
It required my presence and detachment from my responsibilities. And boy it was tough to put a stop to things I thought would break without my involvement, but life went on, which was so interesting (there’s a word in there, but I’ll leave that for today). But no, the workaholic in me screamed at the idea of doing nothing purposeful for a few hours but it was quintessential to be like a child and engage with the world as if I had just discovered it.
So yes, I spent that weekend having random conversations, exploring ideas and building nothing. It was hard but it was rewarding just to be there, around people I loved, not plotting or planning, but breathing, existing, eating and feasting!
I’m in awe. I’m grateful and my soul is deeply throbbing with Joy.
Last Monday specifically I woke up with the urge to pick up my pen and write something to encourage you all, but the holy spirit snatched my pen and yanked me back to rest.
I ended up spending some good time with him just enjoying his word and eventually then heading out to see some folks. I loved it all!
I no longer will wait for moments like these, but rather work hard voraciously to create them, not just any moment, but soul-filling, Joy throbbing moments.
Hebrews 4:10 - 11 says,
For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that No one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.
It’s ironic that we have to make every effort to rest, and delight (Shabbat), but the message is clear. Work your butt off to rest. It’s difficult to detangle yourself from the urgencies of your situation, but I love how beautiful the Word is. I’m told to go against the grain because there’s a pattern that if I’m not careful of, will eat me up.
Do you feel a little stuck in where you are today? Maybe it’s time to change your pattern and go against the grain.
So this might be different from all the other tweets or motivational messages everyone usually gives for the last few months of the year, yes there is a need to push, to finish, to win, but this isn’t a message that should subtract from that but rather, it should add profusely to the journey.
Take a good moment and refocus, no battery is useful when empty. Fill up your soul, and build a home in the places where you can be poured out, yet in that exertion be overcome by a soul throbbing fullness!
This week, I want you to try this with me, and let me know how you find it!
Josiah Hyacinth
5 More Mins w/
There’s more darggg…
I spoke about a few things which I think would be good to listen to in addition to this read on my new podcast. Yes, your boy is talking again now! Do take 5 mins away, be present and try to add something soul-filling to your palette.
If you prefer to watch then do your thang!