The Habit of Slowing

In our fast-paced, always-on society, it's easy to find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of activity. Our minds race from one task to another, rarely pausing to catch a breath. We wake up, rush through our morning routines, navigate traffic, attend meetings, juggle work projects, ferry kids to activities, prepare meals, and collapse into bed – only to do it all over again the next day. Sound familiar?

This constant busyness isn't just exhausting; it's spiritually draining. As the wise King Solomon observed thousands of years ago in Ecclesiastes 2:22-23:

"What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless."

Solomon's words ring just as true today as they did then. But what's the solution? How do we break free from this cycle of "anxious striving" and find true peace and fulfillment?

The answer lies in developing the habit of slowing down.

Interestingly, we can look to Jesus as the perfect model for this practice. Despite having the most important mission in the history of the world – healing the sick, teaching about the Kingdom of God, and ultimately sacrificing His life for humanity – Jesus consistently made time to withdraw from the crowds and seek solitude.

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." This wasn't a one-time occurrence. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus intentionally creating space to commune with His Father:

- Before starting His ministry (Luke 4:1-2, 14-15)
- Before making important decisions (Luke 6:12-13)
- After a long, hard day of work (Matthew 14:23)
- After ministering to large crowds (Luke 5:15-16)
- After losing a close friend (Matthew 14:10-13)

Jesus understood a profound truth that we often forget: There is no such thing as intimacy without intentionality. This applies not only to our relationship with God but to all our relationships. We can't expect to have deep, meaningful connections if we don't intentionally make time and space for them.

In our relationship with God, this means we can't simply "busy" our way to spiritual growth. As much as we might try to fill our schedules with church activities, Bible studies, and good deeds, true intimacy with God requires something more – it requires us to be still.

Psalm 46:10 puts it simply yet powerfully: "Be still and know that I am God." The Hebrew phrase translated as "be still" literally means "cease striving." It's an invitation to stop our anxious efforts and simply rest in God's presence.

But for many of us, being still is uncomfortable. We've bought into the lie that our value comes from what we do – our accomplishments, our productivity, our performance. We pour ourselves out constantly, trying to prove our worth through our actions.

The problem is, we can't continue to pour out if we don't take time to fill up. That's why Jesus modeled the practice of withdrawing and creating space. He knew that true strength and effectiveness come not from constant activity, but from regular times of rest and communion with God.

So how do we cultivate this habit of slowing in our own lives? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Find a quiet, secluded place. Jesus advised in Matthew 6:6, "Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace."

2. Be intentional. Schedule regular times for solitude and silence, just as you would any other important appointment.

3. Eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone, step away from screens, and create an environment conducive to stillness.

4. Start small. If the idea of extended silence is daunting, begin with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time.

5. Be honest with God. Use this time to let your soul speak honestly to your Creator. Express your praises, fears, anger, or needs without filtering.

6. Listen. Remember, prayer is not just about talking to God, but also about listening for His voice.

As you develop this habit of slowing, you may find that your perspective begins to shift. Instead of constantly striving to prove your worth through activity, you'll start to understand your inherent value as a beloved child of God.

Remember the beautiful words spoken over Jesus at His baptism, before He had performed a single miracle or preached a single sermon: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased" (Luke 3:22). God's love for us is not based on what we do, but on who we are.

In a world that constantly demands more from us, the habit of slowing down is a radical act of faith. It's a declaration that our worth doesn't come from our productivity, but from our identity as children of God. It's an acknowledgment that we can't do it all on our own, that we need regular times of refreshing in God's presence.

So today, why not take a step towards developing this life-changing habit? Find a quiet place, silence the distractions, and simply be still. You might be surprised at how loudly God speaks in the silence, and how deeply He can fill your empty cup when you pause long enough to let Him.

Remember, you can't busy your way to God. But you can find Him when you're still enough to listen.