Rhythms in the Word 2023 | Guest Jessica Mathisen: Enneagram One
Jan 10, 2023
Show Notes:
“There’s definitely been seasons where I’ve read the Bible because I felt like I was supposed to, you know this is what you’re supposed to do, and I don’t want to disappoint the Lord. Honestly, I’m glad that I still have been in the Word in those seasons, even if my heart wasn’t in it, because I mean, His Word doesn’t return void. That’s what He tells us. I mean, I’m still getting it in me, even if I was kind of half hearted there.” - Jessica Mathisen
[0:23] Welcome to the Simply Wholehearted Podcast!
[1:53] I am so excited to introduce my guest, Jessica Mathisen! She is a wife, mama, author, and Enneagram One, plus she loves to help women like you and me spend more time reading our Bibles.
[2:14] Since it’s January, we are in the kicking off our Wholehearted Rhythms series where we focus on these 4 W’s: word, worship, write, and wait. Jessica specializes in helping weary women apply the truth of God’s word to their everyday lives to live in freedom.
[2:51] I met Jessica through Instagram, and her content kept grabbing my attention! I am so excited to have her speak to all of you!
[3:23] Jessica shares about her Enneagram journey, her type, and how it plays out in her life as a mother, wife, and author. She heard about the Enneagram when she and her husband were first married through the book “The Road Back to You.” Reading through the book and wanting to understand other people’s perspectives has allowed her to apply the practice to other areas in her life.
“It has helped inform the way I relate to the Lord. It’s really helped me understand that there is a certain way that God’s made me. I don’t have to make excuses for that, but I can also embrace it and then continually be sanctified through it.”
[5:08] A strong aspect of the Enneagram 1 is they really do see the world through the lens of whatever their way is, it’s the right way. It’s challenging for them to step into other people’s shoes and see their different viewpoints. Different is not wrong!
[6:02] Jessica shares about how the knowledge of the Enneagram impacted her motherhood journey. She was a foster parent before she became a biological parent. Understanding that the children in her home were not being poured into by her and her husband from Day 1 made a huge difference because she had to figure out why they would act or think a certain way due to the outside influences in the child’s life. She has used this tool to enter in with compassion instead of relying on her traits of being a reformer to try to change the child.
[9:05] I’ve tried to implement different rhythms and set intentions for the year by inviting this community to establish what matters every January. I ask Jessica to share what it looks like for her to make the Word her priority. The best way to share the truth is to know it!
[13:20] Go to the Lord for nourishment for YOU! Receive from Him as a beloved child instead of approaching Bible reading through the role of teaching or writing.
[13:46] Jessica shares about her book and how she equips women with the knowledge of the Word of God and getting into the rhythm of diving into the Word. In a world full of grief, heartache, and uncertainty, Jesus, the Word made Flesh, is the only constant! Jessica shares how her infertility journey drew her to the Lord and the peace and hope that He brought her through the book of Romans.
“The Lord just kept showing me the hope that we have through Him and understanding and seeing that I was not going to be able to fix all of the different broken circumstances in my life, but I could fix my eyes on Him. His Holy Spirit truly can bring the peace that passes all understanding.”
[17:59] Suffering is not something we invite upon ourselves. Part of being human is experiencing pain and suffering. It’s a tool for God to use to bring us closer to Him to see His beauty, grace, and peace for ourselves.
[21:31] I ask Jessica to share what her unique habit or new rhythm that she wants to try out in 2023. She talks about how internally, she wants to be more gentle with herself and talk to herself like she’d talk to a friend. Romans 8:1 says “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” For a Type 1, this verse speaks in direct opposition to the internal criticism that can overtake a 1’s thoughts. It is so important to have a relationship with yourself! If you don’t know yourself, you can’t lead or love others.
[24:33] Jessica shares about Hope Darst’s “Peace Be Still,” which is a song that gets her into the worship mindset. She has been so encouraged by her music!
[25:18] One of the Scriptures that Jessica has been focusing on is Psalm 127:1 “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” She wants to keep coming back to this verse as she endeavors to build out her year.
[26:37] For those looking to begin the rhythm of getting into the Word, Jessica suggests that you focus on a page or a verse which will tremendously impact your day and life. Give yourself permission not to feel the pressure to read pages and pages each day. If you only have time to focus on one verse, this will still make a difference.
“I have worship music playing constantly. It keeps pointing me back to Him. If you have a verse you’re meditating on, turn on some music and sing it back to Him!”
[30:31] If you do nothing else this year, getting in the Word, spending time with Him, and soaking in God’s love letters is foundational for having a year that is strong in the Lord.
Send me a DM on Instagram about what you’re studying this year! I would love to hear it! I hope this episode inspires you to reach for your Bible every day and begin a new rhythm for your year. 🤍
The best is yet to come,
Links Mentioned:
Jessica's Social Media Links
An Overwhelming Hope: How the Spirit Brings Peace to Our Storms
