That Elusive Rhythm of Slow
Driving through Pebble Hill Plantation I saw the road sign that caused me to grind to a halt.
“Slow Down. I Mean It!”
And Pansy Poe, the owner of this beautiful estate outside my Georgia hometown, had signed her name to give it more authority.
Actually, God could have authored that sign as well.
I believe He sends signs warning me to “Slow Down” all the time, but I’m usually running by too quickly to notice. Yet He longs for His people to dwell in slow and peaceful and secure and rest.
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32.18
Or, as one seasoned pastor advises, “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry.”
When was the last time you really rested? Hard to do, isn’t it? Our environment is constantly depleting us with noise, distractions, and the compulsion to always be in a hurry.
We are just too busy to rest.
I recently read about a non-English speaking woman who arrived in America and after a short while began to address people she met with “I’m Busy.” Turns out she had heard that phrase from so many encounters that she thought it was our normal form of greeting one another.
And that’s a pretty sad statement of where we dwell these days.
It’s not wrong to be tired. It’s not wrong to feel overwhelmed. It’s not wrong to go through seasons of complete chaos. What is wrong – and heartbreakingly foolish and wonderfully avoidable – is to live a life with more craziness than we want because we have less Jesus than we need.
Kevin DeYoung, “Crazy Busy”
Do you want more of Jesus and His rest?
I believe our greatest threat is distraction. Did you know the root of this word is the Latin word distractus which literally means “to draw or pull apart?” No wonder we feel torn in every direction!
How can we quiet our hearts and discover these “undisturbed places of rest?”
Unplug. Sign out. Turn off. Hang up. Be ‘Closed for the Weekend.’ Clean up your surroundings so fewer projects call out your name. Put sleep and ‘nothing’ on your agenda and then keep those appointments. Determine your greatest distractions and energy-drainers and decide to be proactive about curbing their power over you. For instance, I am going off social media for the whole month of August.
And then go to Jesus and rest in His care.
Slow Down. I Mean It!
Benediction: My child, I long to give you rest, but you need to stop what you’re doing in order to receive this gift. The world simply cannot offer the security and peace that your soul craves. But if you deliberately choose this life, it will become possible. Take the first step now.
Lucinda Secrest McDowell in “Dwelling Places”
(NOTE: If you live in the Hartford area, why not consider worshipping this coming Sunday, August 1st at the historic First Church of Christ Congregational in Wethersfield at either 9 am traditional or 10 am contemporary service? I will be preaching on rest from Matthew 11:28-30 “Invited!” and would love to see you there.)
May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and strength, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
©2021 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
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Thank you for these encouraging words. “Stress” becomes “rest” when we take out unnecessary things and regroup! I need a good reminder sometimes!
❤️
Oh, Lucinda! You spoke just what I needed to hear today. I was just telling the Lord how much I need to slow down and rest. Thank you for these wise words this morning! You always speak right to my heart!
So good!
Resting is often when I received the unexpected from my Father.
Love this - A 2021 goal which I have KEPT was to honor the Sabbath MORE ! More Jesus less world. Thank you
Praying over your message on Sunday! YES & AMEN
Sooo wonderful. Yes, slowing done is awesome. Covid has helped many to do that. I pray we can all remember when things get back to “normal”!!!? Thank you, cannot here your talk but would love to. Is it being recorded?
Praying for you as you prepare to bring the Word tomorrow to the good folk of FCC Wethersfield!
YES to unplugging! And rest is not the same as wasting time…. we waste time in electronic hazes, we waste time worrying, we waste time in many ways - just rest!