Slow Down and Smell the Roses

With all the pressure that life brings with it today, from work related deadlines to family responsibilities, we often don’t take the time to slow down, to sit, to be still and allow God to add to our lives the serenity that is missing. We don’t allow God to add His fullness to the emptiness that many of us are feeling inside.

David knew this secret as he talked about the awesome power of God as our refuge and strength and an ever-present help in our times of trouble. He tells us to “Come and see the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 46:1). But then God tells us to chill out in the process. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10a).

Look at what we miss when we don’t take the time to smell the roses. We miss what they are saying about the wonders of our God.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” (Romans 1:19-20)

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2)

Don’t allow the fast pace of life to steal from you God’s glory that He desires to speak to your heart. Slow down, be still, and get to know God a little bit better today.

I believe this is at the heart of what Jesus told his disciples when they were so overwhelmed with ministry. He said, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31)

What a word for everyone who is harassed and driven by the pressures of life and ministry. We need to get away with Jesus, to come aside, not with others, but by ourselves, and find rest for our souls and spirits.