episode 91 | slowness

Hello, dear friend! Life recently feels like a race, but what happens when we take the time to pause and breathe? In this episode, we explore the power of slowing down and finding peace in stillness. Through a guided meditation atop a majestic mountain at sunset, we'll reflect on God’s presence and the beauty of living in the moment. Plus, discover scriptures that remind us to trust His timing and rest in His grace. Take a deep breath, dear friend—this episode is your invitation to slow down and reconnect.

Transcript

Hello, dear friend. How have you been? In the midst of this holiday season, I hope you are taking some time off. Taking a moment to just pause. In the rush of our busy lives, we often forget the beauty of slowing down. Today, I invite you to join me in embracing  slowness—a sacred act of reconnecting with ourselves, with others, and with God.  
  
 Think about the last time you allowed yourself to slow down. Was it while savoring a cup of coffee? Listening to the rhythm of rain against your window? Or perhaps while simply sitting in silence? Slowing down isn’t just about resting; it’s about being present.  
  
  
 Take a moment to settle into a comfortable position. Close your eyes and begin with a deep breath in through your nose… and slowly exhale through your mouth. Let’s do that again: Inhale deeply… and exhale slowly. One more time, breathe in peace… and breathe out any tension or worry.  
  
 Now, imagine yourself standing at the top of a majestic mountain. The air is cool and fresh, filling your lungs with life. As you look around, you see the vastness of the world below. Rolling hills, winding rivers, and lush green valleys stretch as far as your eyes can see.  
  
 Ahead of you, the sun is setting. Its warm, golden rays spread across the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. The clouds drift below you like a soft, moving sea, their gentle waves reflecting the colors of the sunset. The beauty is overwhelming, yet peaceful.  
  
 You feel grounded, standing firm on this mountain, yet your spirit feels light—almost as if it’s floating on the clouds. Take a moment to let your heart reflect: *What burdens am I carrying that I need to let go of? How can I invite God into my stillness?*  
  
 With each passing moment, you feel more connected to the One who created this breathtaking view. The God who painted this sky is the same God who lovingly shaped your life. As the sun dips lower, painting the world in a soft twilight glow, you feel His presence surrounding you, reminding you to slow down, to be present, and to simply *breathe*.  
  
 Take another deep breath in… and exhale slowly. Whisper a silent *thank you* for this moment, for the beauty in creation, and for the gift of slowing down.  
 Let gratitude fill your heart as you think of how God invites you to be still, to slow down, and to find Him in the quiet. Whisper this affirmation to yourself: “I am present. I am enough. God meets me here.”  
  
  
 When you are ready bring yourself into this present moment, carrying this peace with you.  
  
  
 **Reflection**  
 Dear friend, Slowing down allows us to see the world through a different lens. In the Bible, Jesus often took time to rest and be alone with the Father. He showed us that even amidst a busy ministry, moments of slowness are essential.  
  
 Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, *“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”* Slowing down helps us realign with God’s plans, trusting that His timing is perfect.  
  
 What in your life feels rushed right now? Can you take a step back, slow down, and invite God into that space?  
  
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 **50 Scriptures on Slowing Down**  
  
 1. *“Be still, and know that I am God.”* – Psalm 46:10  
 2. *“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”* – Matthew 11:28  
 3. *“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”* – Ecclesiastes 3:1  
 4. *“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”* – Psalm 23:1-2  
 5. *“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”* – Psalm 27:14  
  
  
 1. **Exodus 33:14** – "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  
 2. **Psalm 62:1** – "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him."  
 3. **Isaiah 30:15** – "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."  
 4. **Matthew 6:34** – "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."  
 5. **John 14:27** – "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  
 6. **Psalm 37:7** – "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him."  
 7. **Ecclesiastes 3:1** – "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."  
 8. **Isaiah 40:29** – "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  
 9. **1 Peter 5:7** – "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  
 10. **Proverbs 19:2** – "Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!"  
 11. **Psalm 46:10** – "Be still, and know that I am God."  
 12. **Proverbs 3:5-6** 13:37 remove – "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."  
 13. **Lamentations 3:25-26** – "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."  
 14. **Exodus 14:14** – "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."  
 15. **Isaiah 26:3** – "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."  
 16. **James 1:19** – "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."  
 17. **Galatians 6:9** – "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  
 18. **Proverbs 16:9** – "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."  
 19. **Hebrews 4:9-10** – "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God."  
 20. **Psalm 23:1-2** – "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters."  
 21. **Matthew 11:28-30** – "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  
 22. **Philippians 4:6-7** – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  
 23. **Psalm 90:12** – "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  
 24. **Ecclesiastes 7:8** – "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."  
 25. **Romans 8:25** – "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."  
 26. **Colossians 3:15** – "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."  
 27. **Psalm 116:7** – "Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."  
 28. **Habakkuk 2:3** – "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false."  
 29. **Isaiah 32:17** – "The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever."  
 30. **Luke 10:41-42** – "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one."  
 31. **Proverbs 4:25-27** – "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you."  
 32. **Psalm 127:2** – "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves."  
 33. **Isaiah 58:11** – "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame."  
 34. **Romans 12:12** – "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  
 35. **Psalm 131:2** – "But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother."  
 36. **Proverbs 20:22** – "Do not say, 'I’ll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you."  
 37. **2 Peter 3:9** – "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you."  
 38. **Zephaniah 3:17** – "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves."  
 39. **Psalm 119:114** – "You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word."  
 40. **Isaiah 55:12** – "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace."  
 41. **Philippians 4:13** – "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  
 42. **Psalm 34:8** – "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."  
 43. **Psalm 33:20** – "We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."  
 44. **1 Thessalonians 5:16-18** – "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances."  
 45. **Hebrews 6:12** – "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."  
  

• Proverbs 16:32: "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city". T
• Proverbs 21:29: "Wicked people bluff their way, but God's people think before they take a step". 
• Proverbs 4:26: "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure". 
• Jeremiah 2:25-35: "Slow down. Take a deep breath. What's the hurry?". 
• 1 Timothy 2:2-3: "Pray that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior". 
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   Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it is okay to slow down. Thank You for the quiet moments that draw us closer to You. Help us to let go of the rush and trust in Your perfect timing. Teach us to embrace stillness as a gift, not a luxury, and to find joy in the simplicity of being present.  
    
   May we remember that You are always near, guiding us, providing for us, and loving us in every moment. Let us walk through life with grace, patience, and a heart that seeks You in the quiet. Amen.  
    
     
   Thank you, dear friend, for spending this time with me tonight. I hope this episode encourages you to take a step back and savor the slowness in your life. Remember, there's beauty in just being, rather than doing. We are human beings after all!
    
   If this episode blessed you, please share it with someone who might need a gentle reminder to slow down. Merry Christmas in advance, and happy holidays!
    
   Until next time, take care and have a God night’s sleep!