THERE IS PEACE IS SLOWING DOWN
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
We live in a society that almost honors busyness. It is almost a badge of honor to be busy or behind. Another appointment, call to make, email to send, or text that needs an answer. We keep increasing our “to do” list to feel good about our importance. We measure success by how busy we are and how fast our lives run.
There is a problem with this formula because you can’t have peace while running 90 miles an hour. Peace requires that we slow things down. In our culture the idea of slow is most often looked at as bad.
Merriam-Webster defines slow as: “mentally dull: stupid: naturally inert or sluggish: lacking in readiness, promptness, or willingness.”
When someone has a low IQ, we call them slow. When the service at the restaurant is bad, we call it slow. When the movie is not well written or has poor acting, we call it slow.
But in the kingdom of God slow is not a bad thing. It doesn’t mean you are stupid, sluggish, or lacking in readiness. It could mean you are living in peace and refuse to bow to the pressure of a society that is also running at 90 miles an hour.
I’m not saying we should be content to sit on the couch all day and do nothing. I believe in being productive and using my time wisely. But I am trying to learn with the help of Holy Spirit to slow down enough to have peace in my heart and mind. To be able to enjoy the moments of life. To connect with my family and friends in meaningful conversation. To listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.
I am convinced I have missed some great moments in life because I was in a hurry to get to the next thing. It takes a lot of work with the Holy Spirit to get me to slow down and enjoy the moment. Peace is only found in slowing down.
Do you have time each day to slow down? Time to think? Time to pray? Time to reflect? Time to read. Time to listen to the Holy Spirit?
When can you start practicing slowing down? It may take a while to get good at slowing down.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit I need Your help. I want to slow down and live in peace. Help me learn the secret of living in peace.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
I want to demonstrate to the world that following Jesus gives me peace.
I LOVE THE REOCCURRING THEME OF PEACE ITS WHAT I DESPERATELY CRAVE AND HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR . I DO WANT A SLOW LIFE THAT IS MEANINGFUL AND PURPOSEFUL TO GOD WITH A ROUTINE . I AM THE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN GOING 90 MPH . SO I FELT THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKING TO ME.