I really wasn’t sure whether or not to include this post today, given that the disturbing events of recent weeks have forced us all to slow down, whether we like or not. Some of us, like myself, are confined to our homes, the rest allowed out only in certain circumstances, and many find themselves with no work to do at present and thus with time hanging heavy on their hands. Yet even in such circumstances, we can still, paradoxically, struggle to slow down, for we fill our lives instead with all kinds of other activity rather than actually pausing to take stock. To be still, truly still, is not easy, yet, as this session from my book Daily Prayer 2 reminds us, it is central to the health of both life and faith.
Read
This is what the living God, the Holy One of Israel says: ‘Return to me and find your salvation in being still, for in rest and quietness lies true strength’, but you just weren’t interested in listening. Isaiah 30:15
Ponder
One of the bugbears for motorists today is the ever-increasing number of speed bumps in our towns and cities. I speak from personal experience; just about every route to the town centre from my home seems to have been designed to shake loose as many nuts and bolts as possible. As the car suspension takes yet another pounding, it’s hard sometimes not to question the wisdom of the powers that be, but, of course, however unwelcome traffic-calming devices may seem, they are installed for a purpose: to slow drivers down so as to make residential areas that little bit safer for pedestrians. Let’s face it, we can all on occasions be tempted to drive faster than we ought to, and if speed bumps help to save even one life or prevent an ugly accident they’ve more than served their purpose.
In life, as much as on the road, we can be in too much of a hurry sometimes. For all our labour-saving devices, we live today at a more hectic pace than ever before, always feeling under pressure and striving to cram that little bit extra into the unforgiving minute. But are we happier for it? Probably the opposite is true; many today feel stressed and overloaded, and crave some respite in which to pause and get their bearings. We all need time to unwind, to reflect on what we’re doing and why – above all, time for God. That’s why God’s advice in the verse above is so important, for unless we learn to be still in his presence we will lose sight of what really matters, and all our hustle and bustle will count finally for nothing.
Ask yourself
Are you as busy as you think you are? Would pausing to reflect help you get things in perspective? If God isn’t important, then what is?
Pray
Eternal God, teach me that, however busy I am, however frenetic my lifestyle, I need time to ponder, time for you; that instead of hurrying from one thing to the next, I need to take things more gently, matching my pace to yours. Remind me, then, whenever I forget you, believing I have more important things to do, more pressing concerns to see to, that you hold the words of eternal life, the answer to my inner hunger and true needs. In my list of daily priorities, help me to set time aside for you first, not last. Amen.
Remember
I will always be present with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14
Close
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, Lord, remind me that, whatever its demands, there’s no need to rush, for I have all eternity to look forward to, with you. Amen.