The themes of stillness and slowness are woven throughout scripture, reflecting the importance of taking time to connect with God, reflect, and find peace.
1. Stillness and Trust in God
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse emphasizes the importance of stillness as a way to recognize God’s sovereignty and presence. In moments of quiet, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s character and trust in His plans for our lives.
2. Finding Peace in God’s Presence
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This invitation highlights the significance of slowing down and seeking solace in His presence, especially during times of stress and overwhelm.
3. The Value of Reflection
Psalm 119:15 states, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” Taking time for reflection and meditation allows us to absorb God’s teachings and align our lives with His guidance. Slowing down creates space for deeper spiritual growth.
4. Cultivating Patience
Galatians 5:22-23 lists patience as a fruit of the Spirit. Embracing slowness in our lives can help develop this virtue, allowing us to respond to life’s challenges with grace and understanding.
5. Sabbath Rest
This six & one rhythm is built into the very fabrication of our world. In Genesis, we see how God himself took six days to create our world, and on the seventh day, he rested. What does this mean for us? That since the beginning, our weeks were designed to lead to a day of rest, and, that this day of rest also set us up to enter into following week. This concept of Sabbath, also rooted in Exodus 20:8-11, prompts us to take an intentional pause where we STOP, REST, DELIGHT, and WORSHIP. Even in our busy lives, we can take an intentional pause to reflect on our lives, what is lingering, and be reminded of our dependence on God.
God encourages stillness and slowness as means to deepen our relationship with Him, find peace, and grow spiritually. By embracing these principles, we can cultivate a more meaningful and connected life, rooted in faith and trust in God’s plan.
