Finding Rhythm

After a surprisingly slow start to the 2026 season, the Washington Commanders have returned to the NFC East conversation with their 24-21 win over the New York Giants Thursday evening.

Washington has now won two of its last three contests, giving the organization much-needed momentum in a division that seems to lack a clear favorite.

Against the Giants, it looked like the Commanders might have been poised to drop yet another close game, as quarterback Jayden Daniels threw two fourth-quarter interceptions (his first two of the season). 

However, Washington’s defense forced a critical three-and-out late in the fourth quarter, giving Daniels a shot at redemption with less than two minutes remaining. 

Just a few short plays later, Daniels connected with Stefon Diggs for a 32-yard touchdown that gave the Commanders the winning edge.

Though his pair of late interceptions were costly, Daniels' play has given many people flashbacks to his sensational 2024 rookie season. He currently ranks in the top half of the league in passer rating and adjusted QBR, and appears to be still improving week after week.

Speaking on his improved play as of late, Daniels told reporters, “I'm starting to get into that rhythm. It shows the more games you play consistently, the more reps you get, the more flow in the rhythm that you can [find]. And it was tough last year being in and out of the lineup and trying to catch a rhythm.”

It appears that the more consistently Daniels has been able to line up under center, the more rhythm he has found, resulting in improved production on the field.

Rhythm is an important component of success for teams and athletes at the professional level, but it matters for us as followers of Jesus, too.

Growing in our faith and becoming more like Jesus certainly doesn't happen by accident. It takes great effort and discipline to consistently engage in the means God has given us for spiritual growth (prayer, Bible reading, and church participation).

If we don’t, we can relate to what Daniels said, “And it was tough last year being in and out of the lineup and trying to catch a rhythm.”

But as in sports, we find we have more "success" in our spiritual life when we settle into a consistent rhythm of spiritual disciplines instead of being “in and out”. 

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) tells us, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

Becoming more godly as a Christian requires training, and training requires consistency and discipline.

If anybody has ever tried to add more exercise to their life, they know the hardest part is getting started and developing a routine. It’s challenging to go to the gym consistently when we aren't in the habit. Our body and mind will fight against us, and it will require great tenacity to overcome the urge to stay sedentary. 

Those who keep pushing through and remain disciplined, however, eventually find it becomes easier and easier to stay consistent with their exercise. That’s because they have established a consistent rhythm, where exercise is now part of their routine.

The same principle applies to us in our faith. If you have fallen out of the habit of praying or reading your Bible every day, it can feel difficult to reengage. You may find yourself lacking the desire to practice the spiritual disciplines, even though you want to grow as a believer.

When those moments come, we shouldn't let apathy or lethargy dictate our decisions. Instead, we must push through whatever feelings we might have and choose to engage in the disciplines regardless of how we feel.

As we do, we will eventually establish rhythms in our lives that make it easier to keep engaging consistently. 

Psalm 34:8 (NIV) says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

As we make intentional decisions to commune with the Lord through spiritual disciplines, we experience more of His goodness, which then encourages and motivates us to engage even more. 

If you are like me, this might mean that finding a proper rhythm requires intentionality, such as making a schedule. Instead of simply hoping you will find the time or motivation to read your Bible, why not put it on your schedule and choose to engage regardless of how you feel?

Today, may we be a people who live in a rhythm of consistent communion and fellowship with the Lord. And as we enjoy that rhythm, may He be pleased to continue growing us into the image of His Son for His glory.

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times when I have been apathetic and undisciplined in my faith. I appreciate your kindness in stirring my heart and affections to intentionally seek after You. Please help me find healthy rhythms for practicing the spiritual disciplines so I can continue to grow in my faith. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.