SLOW DOWN ALONG THE WAY | Northstar Church

“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” – Luke 10:38-40.

Have you ever stopped to think how much hurry gets in the way of your daily fellowship and relationship with God? In a world that constantly pushes us to rush, the invitation to “slow down” is a powerful reminder to pause, breathe, and truly connect with God and the present moment. When we race through life, we often miss the beauty and blessings surrounding us, including the whispers of God’s guidance.

In Luke 10 we read the story of Mary and Martha, sisters who hosted Jesus in their home and demonstrated different approaches to following Him. Martha busily prepared a meal, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him. Martha was full of inward turmoil and outward agitation. As a result, she was distracted and drawn about in different directions. She was stretched to the limit, and so she turned on Jesus. ““Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”” (Luke 10:40). Jesus answered “…“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Most believers want to be like Mary, but all too often, we find ourselves more like Martha, so busy trying to serve God that we don’t take the time to be with Him. We are running on empty and praying as part of multitasking. We have good intentions but are too busy to spend quality time with Him. So, how do we become a little less like Martha?

First, slow down and spend time in scripture. When we are in a hurry, our time alone with God in contemplative reading of Scripture is limited and sporadic. Slowing down and spending time in scripture encourages a mindful and deliberate approach to reading the Bible, reflecting on its meaning, and truly connecting with God’s word rather than rushing through it quickly. God is not calling us only to a devotional time but rather to experience a devotional life.

Second, deepen your prayer life. Many prayers are simply a “shopping list” itemized list of my wants. We need a more whole-life approach to prayer. If we think more broadly about prayer, it becomes more fulfilling and natural. God wants us to live our whole day in His presence.

It is time to stop praying on the run and running on empty. Jesus invites us to slow down, sit at His feet, and learn from Him to be more like Him.

Discussion Questions:

How does the pressure to rush affect your spiritual life? What areas of your life do you need to slow down in intentionally?
How can you create space in your schedule to truly connect with God and others?