We live in a frantic and chaotic world. Our “to do” lists never end and the demands on our time never cease. We fight an inner battle between our need for stillness and our desire to accomplish. We know, in our hearts, how much we need to slow down, need sabbath. But the voices inside and out remind us of our obligations, our commitments, the tasks at hand.
Maybe, though, you find yourself this Lenten season in that awkward place of recognizing the need to slow but uncertain how to do it. Slowing is hard. Sabbath isn’t easy in a 24/7 world. It’s hard to be the girl in the Bible study who loses the “I’m busiest!” race. I know, I’ve been there. Over the past few weeks, I find myself learning a very important lesson: He slows me because He wants to show me. When the Lord beckons my heart to be still, to rest in His presence, to slow the pace of my life, it is because He always has something He longs to show me—something I need to know about His nature, His character, His plan for me, His love. Slowing allows us to be intentional and to learn.
I’d venture to guess that if you are reading a post with “preparing your heart for Easter,” you have an interest in doing just that. May I offer you a series of Scripture readings to be used for just that purpose?
Let’s SLOW together: Sacrifice, Linger, Own, and Wonder. Each of these four readings is designed for a time of personal meditation and prayer. I’ll be using them on Sunday mornings as I prepare for church and then reading the passages again throughout the week, keeping the words and ideas fresh on my heart.
S—SACRIFICE
As we consider the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we must also consider the sacrifice He’s called us to make in our own lives. The laying down of all we care about and trusting He cares more. My friend Kris speaks of Lent this way, “It occurred to me that perhaps what God calls us to give up, really, is ourselves” ([amazon_link id=”1481909681″ target=”_blank” ]Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement[/amazon_link]). I’ve found that Lent presses in on me in ways I’d never expected.
Meditate on these passages about sacrifice: Psalm 116 (especially verse 17) and John 12:1-8.
L—LINGER
When was the last time you lingered in the Lord’s presence? Just stayed to enjoy being wrapped up in Him? Jesus called us to “abide in Him” and even said without doing so we could accomplish nothing (John 15:5). In the Psalms we find the simple but challenging truth that we best know God when we are still in His presence (Psalm 46:10). Carve out time to linger in the Lord’s presence.
Meditate on these passages about lingering: Psalm 46 and John 15:1-9
O—OWN
Do you realize your own need for the Lord, your own part in His death? Sometimes we fail to accept ownership of the reality of our sin. We like those words like “mistake” and “messed up” over the harsher “sin” and “sinner.” But the reality is: We have to reach the point of owning our sin in order to fully recognize the price Christ paid for it. Spend time contemplating the reality of your own sin and the depth of Christ’s sacrifice paid for it.
Meditate on these passages as you consider your own sin: Psalm 22 and John 18:15-18, 25-27; 21:15-19
W—WONDER
I often think about Mary Magdalene’s experience that first resurrection morning. She probably wondered about how the stone would be moved from the tomb, then wondered how she would tell the disciples what she had seen. As she returned to the garden, I bet she wondered about all she’d learned from Jesus and then, when He spoke her name, I just can’t imagine the wonder at hearing His voice once again. May I invite you into the wonder of WHO Jesus is and how much He loves you? Take time to embrace the wonder of God-made-flesh, sent to die, now sitting at God’s right hand, someday to return, and eternally to reign.
Meditate on these passages as you wonder: Psalm 89 and John 20:11-18
{Please feel free to print the SLOW pdf and use it as you prepare your heart for Easter.}
How has slowing helped you see the Lord more clearly?
“He slows me because He wants to show me.”
What a great truth, Teri-Lynne. I’ve been rushing around all week to prepare for being able to slam on the brakes for 48 hours with my girlfriends this weekend. But I’ll be watching for God wants to show me through that time of slowing down. Thanks for sharing these verses and thoughts.
Lisa, as I read your comment about rushing around as you prepare to slam on the brakes, I thought of the Jewish sabbath. In “Mudhouse Sabbath,” Lauren Winner explains the chaos that is Friday afternoon in a Jewish home … but that as soon as the candles are lit, the Sabbath begins. Sometimes the reason we can’t slow, can’t rest, is because we haven’t prepared for it. I’m learning that … and it’s truly revolutionizing how I manage my time. Thank you for your encouraging words.
“We know, in our hearts, how much we need to slow down, need sabbath. But the voices inside and out remind us of our obligations, our commitments, the tasks at hand.” <– Oh, man, yes. Those voices are so annoying.
Great Scriptures and thoughts on SLOW, Teri Lynne. Thank you!
I really hate “the voices” sometimes. :) They are so loud and never give up but … it’s hard to listen for that “still, small voice” that whispers. But oh, how sweet the time is when we do!
Thank you, Caroline, for the words of grace and support you always offer. You are a sweet gift in my life.
It seems kind of ridiculous … the “rush” to a time of “peace.” Why do I do that? But the preparation really does determine so much of the destination. Thanks for sharing SLOW and for the scripture to prepare.