“When we learn how to slow down God will realign us and show us how to move forward.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 13, 2021
And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. Mark 6:46
Last weekend, my husband and I took a walk around town where we live just as dusk was falling. It was gorgeous with many beautiful things to notice.
Twinkly lights draped on local businesses. People walking their dogs, both big and small. Pretty hanging flower baskets. The sun setting on the Rocky Mountains. It was a relaxing and enjoyable walk with my best friend.
As we went along, I said to my husband, “Walking is so great. It causes you to slow down. You see things you don’t normally see on a bicycle or in a car.”
This got me thinking about life and specifically about how we are often in a hurry. Moms are in a hurry. Dads are in a hurry. Students are in a hurry. Singles are in a hurry. Kids are in a hurry. And leaders are in a hurry.
Everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere. To accomplish something. To be somebody. To make a difference. To grow a business. To reach goals.
But sometimes, to accomplish what you need to accomplish, and to get there faster, you slow down, stop, and pay attention to what’s going on in you and around you.
One of the greatest life practices anyone can adopt is to take time to assess your life, your family, your business, your goals, and those you lead. In slowing down, you notice what’s not working to make it work better. You notice activities and priorities you need to add and those you need to subtract to be in line with God’s plans.
Jesus is the supreme example of slowing down.
Luke 5:16 says, “And he often withdrew into lonely places and prayed.”
He prayed to hear from his Father. He prayed for direction. He prayed to hear His Father’s heart. He prayed to know God’s will.
When we are in a hurry, it’s hard to assess what is really going on. It’s difficult to assess God’s will. We can miss important things, like how we should speak to one of our employees, how we need to lead one of our children into a different decision, or how we need to speak truth into our partner’s life. Slowing down is an important life skill.
A few weeks ago, I took a personal retreat not too far from home. For a couple of days I spent time in solitude and quiet. I went on walks. I took a few naps. I didn’t listen to podcasts, talk on the phone, or check Facebook. I slowed down; I stopped, and I listened.
God spoke.
He realigned me. He showed me what I needed to do to go forward without being bogged down in my business and personal life. He affirmed some of my practices and priorities, and He gave me new direction for others. At the end of my time alone, I went home, and I felt refreshed and most importantly, I was reminded of God’s closeness to me, and His presence and loving guidance in my life.
It’s so easy to get caught up with doing more and going faster that we forget to slow down. But it’s one of the most important things we can do for ourselves, for our family, and for those we lead.
Do you have a regular plan to slow down in your life for an extended time? If you don’t, adopt one. Make a plan to set aside time on a monthly, or quarterly basis to follow Christ’s example of connecting with the Lord so He can show you your next steps or confirm the steps you are already taking.
When you slow down you will notice and see that which you don’t when you’re moving fast through life.
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Prayer
Lord, how I praise you that you are always available to guide me. Thank you for your loving presence and that you have all the knowledge I need for my relationships, work, and the way I lead. Thank you. Help me to slow down to hear your plans and priorities for my life. Amen.
Application
Plan a specific time to get away to hear from the Lord. Put it on your calendar and schedule it.
Related Reading
Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 119:10; Psalm 91:15; Matthew 7:7
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship – Be Still
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Thank you Shana, it is so true what you say: “easy to get caught up with doing more and going faster that we forget to slow down.” Your words spoke to me and I took a day out. And yes God spoke to me and also re-aligned me more with His purposes.
Thank you. I had been caught up in doing so much more and hadn’t checked in with Him, to find out if I was doing what He wanted me to do.
Our Lord is so good to us.