Embracing Stillness: How to Slow Down in a Fast-Paced World

You live in a world that moves at lightning speed. There’s always something demanding your attention—a new email, a buzzing phone, or the endless to-do list that never seems to shrink. In this fast-paced life, slowing down can feel like an impossible task. But what if you could embrace stillness and find peace amidst the chaos?

Think about a time when something unfortunate happened because you were moving too fast. Maybe you were rushing to get to a Bible study and got a speeding ticket. Or perhaps you found yourself doing things twice because the first time was a blur. Have you ever frantically searched for your keys or sunglasses, only to realize they were in your hand the whole time? These moments are reminders of the cost of haste.

Your internal motor gets revved up, and you just run hard and fast. Even if you aren’t physically moving from one task to the next, your mind is constantly racing. What do you need to do about this thing or that thing? How will you handle that? What did that person mean by that? Your fast-paced culture encourages this relentless movement, but it’s not always beneficial.

That’s why you need to get unhurried on purpose. Living life with intention and slowing down allows you to focus on what truly matters. How do you reconcile your fast-paced life with the words from Scripture: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NLT)?

“Be still” means to cease striving, to relax, to let go, to be quiet. Imagine stepping out of the traffic of your life and taking a long, loving look at God, your High God. This kind of stillness changes your perspective. However, "quick drive-bys" in your relationship with God—a rushed prayer before a meal or a few songs on Sunday—offer only a glimpse of Him. But God’s invitation is to stop, be still, let go, and know that He is God.

To embrace stillness, start by integrating simple practices and rhythms into your life. An ancient tool called a Rule of Life can help. This practice has been used throughout church history to set pace and priorities, utilizing disciplines that support the life you want to live.

Begin with the first arena: abiding. Ask yourself, how are you practicing time with Jesus? How is your life marked by nearness to Him? Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4). To abide is to dwell, remain, be present, and be held and kept by Him.

Like Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus’ feet despite cultural expectations, choose to be with Him. Get present, stay present, and expect His presence. Abiding is an invitation to get still, to be with God, and to see His work in your life.

So, slow down. Embrace stillness. Let go of the hurried pace and discover the peace that comes from being unhurried on purpose. Your life, and your relationship with God, will be transformed.

Dive Deeper

Check out what Erin has to say about how taking time to abide with God will help you embrace stillness and live a more unhurried life.