Monday, September 14, 2009

Slow Me Down, Lord

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.Matthew 6:33-34

We live in a fast-paced society where at times we can become seduced by a culture that takes our mind off the Lord. To keep in touch with Jesus we must slow down our fierce pace and give Jesus our time and attention. This prayer has helped me for years with my tendency to over commit my life to unimportant things and leave God on the sideline.

Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny. Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
—Orin D. Crain

GOING DEEPER:
  • After reading Matthew 6:33-34 what does the Bible suggest be our first priority?
  • Are your priorities in proper perspective? Take a few minutes to give God your priorities and seek His kingdom first.
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (NLT)

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

4 comments:

cas said...

Pretty powerful stuff. I seem to say that alot. No surprise considering God is the source. For me, these morning devotionals are a good pace setter for the day. It does not always work, but if I can at least get pointed in the right direction, my chances are better. The devotional for tomorrow follows on this theme and picks up with Ps 37:4

Have a blessed day

cas

trm said...

Good timing with the fall schedules of work, kids school, sports and church commitments for our family.

I like this verse. It's a cornerstone of my faith...

I like this quote...

Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny.

trd said...

this verse made me think about how i should be relishing every minute of the day...things that i just do or just take for granted i should treat as blessings and as small little treats from God. sometimes i focus on the end result so much that i dont enjoy the journey.

God, please help me to seek you every day...in big ways and small...and to be thankful for every gift, every minute you bless me with. help me to see you and experience you daily. amen.

cas said...

Amen to that trd! And I also really like that Slow me down quote as well trm..

Thanks to both of you for you faithfulness.