The Gift of Slowing Down
Mike Merrill / Video Director
A few days ago, I caught myself doing something ridiculous — I was brushing my teeth while checking my email. The morning had barely started, and already I found myself multitasking my way into exhaustion. Maybe you’ve been there too — racing from one thing to the next, measuring our days by how much we get done — rather than how deeply we live them.
Our world rewards busyness. We wear it like a badge of honor: “How are you?” — “Busy!” But if we’re honest, much of our busyness is not fruitful; it’s just noise. And I have found that noise can keep us from hearing the still, small voice of God.
Jesus lived one of the most purpose-filled lives in history — yet He was never hurried. He had crowds pressing in on Him, disciples needing guidance, and people constantly interrupting Him with their needs. Still, He moved through life with a calm, intentional pace.
Mark 1:35 tells us, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Even the Son of God knew the importance of stepping away from the noise to be with the Father.
The problem isn’t that we have things to do — it’s that we try to do them without God’s rhythm. When we fill every single moment, we squeeze out the margin where peace, reflection, and relationship grow.
So how do we begin to slow down?
1. Reclaim the Sabbath.
God didn’t make the Sabbath to burden us; He made it to bless us. It’s a weekly reminder that the world keeps spinning even when we rest. Sabbath isn’t just about taking a day off — it’s about trusting that God is in control even when we stop working.
2. Practice Presence.
When you talk to someone, really listen. When you eat, taste the food. When you pray, slow your words. Scripture says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Stillness creates space for knowing.
3. Follow Jesus’ Pace.
Notice how often Jesus walked from place to place. He wasn’t in a rush — He noticed people, paused for interruptions, and loved deeply. The pace of love is never hurried.
The truth is, God doesn’t compete with our busyness. He waits for us in the quiet, at the edge of our hurried hearts, whispering, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Slowing down isn’t laziness … it’s obedience. Resting isn’t a weakness ... it’s worship.
So today, let’s make room for the holy habit of slowing down. You might be surprised to find that when you move more slowly, you don’t accomplish less — you simply become more aware of the One who walks beside you.