Slow Down

We are increasingly accustomed to living life on autopilot. The anxiety we experience every day, fueled by the pace of the world, prevents us from taking our foot off the accelerator.

One of the things I’ve learned most since moving to Colombia is the importance of “slowing down.” I’m not saying there aren’t times when we must act quickly or situations that require immediate attention. However, this time has helped me understand that God has been inviting me to slow down the accelerated pace of life—and sometimes, to stop completely. I had become so accustomed to living with my foot constantly on the gas, largely due to my personality, but also because of the context of my life. Many times, we grow used to expecting immediate results. But slowing down in our relationship with God teaches us to let go of control and rest in His sovereignty. Learning to slow down and walk with Him has been a beautiful experience.

Slowing down was part of the invitation Jesus made when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). The rest Jesus offers has many dimensions. The context in which Jesus spoke was one burdened by the weight of sin, guilt, and the constant human effort to earn salvation through works. Jesus offers relief by inviting those who are weary and burdened by the demands of the law. Taking “His yoke” (His teaching and guidance) means entering a relationship with God based on grace.

Jesus also gives us peace in the midst of adversity, anxiety, and the worries of life. He offers relief from emotional burdens that keep us from fully trusting in Him. The apostle Paul made this clear when he told the Philippians: “do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

When we walk with Jesus, we learn how to relate both to Him and to others. Jesus describes His yoke as “easy” and His burden as “light” because He carries the heavy part for us. It’s an invitation to walk with Him, sharing our struggles. That’s why Peter reminds us: “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

Finally, the rest that Jesus offers gives us purpose and direction in life. While people search for meaning in activities, relationships, or accomplishments, Jesus offers a rest that comes from knowing we are complete in Him and have an assured eternal destiny.

Slowing down creates space to be still in His presence, to wait on Him, and to discern His voice above all others. It allows us to marvel each day at the simple, ordinary, or mundane. Slowing down teaches us to trust God and His timing over our own. It helps us rely on His provision, even when we don’t know where it will come from. Slowing down gives us the patience to listen to others, even when we don’t have answers to their concerns. It allows us to live in the present, free from overthinking the past or worrying about the future. Slowing down leads us to walk alongside others and reminds us that God is walking alongside us. It involves letting go and trusting that God is at work. It helps us release anxiety, rest in His promises, and wait on His timing and purposes.

What things are keeping you from walking alongside Jesus? What heavy burdens are you carrying today? What is God inviting you to do?

During my first few weeks in Colombia, God reminded me once again of the psalmist’s words: “be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10). What great comfort it brings to the heart to know that God invites us to rest in Him, to slow our pace to match His, and to stop when necessary to wait on Him!

Photo: Sunset at La Antorcha (January 2025)