Slow Down

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.”
—Isaiah 30:15 NIV

Why is it that we think that running faster and doing more will somehow make life better? What crazy mindset is it that pushes us to fill every moment with activity? Why do we feel valued only when we’re busy?

Is it really okay sometimes to just … stop?

Yes.

Our salvation stems from “repentance and rest.” Our strength comes from “quietness and trust.” But, too often, like the Israelites in Isaiah’s time, we will have “none of it.” God created the human body to work hard and then to rest. We stop every night for sleep whether we want to or not. We have to. God rested after six days of work, and He tells us to rest every week. His people were commanded to take off an entire year every seven years. And, once every fifty years, they had two years in a row off. God is okay with resting. We should be, too. (Leviticus 25:1-12)

Traditionally, Sweet Selah Ministries rests in July. We just stop. No blogs. No Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram posts. Nothing. A time to recuperate from a busy year. A time to let our minds go fallow for a bit, drinking in living water and filling up with nutrients so the soil of creativity will be rich again for the next season. Instead of plans, team meetings, agendas, and deadlines, we have this simply lovely empty calendar. Ahhhh. By August, we’ll be ready to come back and do what we love to do. But in July? We slow down. Waaaaay down.

Some of the slowed-down July goals are …

… rest in the hammock and admire the clouds as they float by.

… stay up late and catch fireflies.

… take beach walks.

… have bicycle adventures.

… stare into space while sitting on the deck sipping hot tea (Yes, if you’re Sharon and brought up on tea in all weather, hot tea appears even on the hottest of days!)

… read fiction books.

… linger longer over quiet times with God.

… hang out with family.

… definitely eat fresh strawberries and corn on the cob and grilled salmon, savoring slowly.

… not write in the day planner; just let the day unfold.

… stop to chat with the neighbors while walking the dog.

… enjoy ice cream.

… thank God often for the sweetness of a cleared calendar, a privilege to be treasured.

There ya go. We’ll be back in August, dear friends, ready to go and eager to connect with you again. The Sweet Selah Ministries team loves what we do. And in July, we practice what we preach … the “stopping” part and the just “being with God” part. Hope you, too, will be able to do some resting of your own.

See you in August!

Dear Heavenly Father, how we thank You that Your opinion of us is not based on performance. You don’t love us because of our achievements. Forgive us when we think we only have value if we are busy. Lord, may we serve and do out of our joy of being loved … not because we feel we have to somehow earn the love that is already ours. Thank You for telling us to rest. We love You, Lord! Give us ears to hear You, each and every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

You are loved,
Sharon

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To encourage a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth that stillness and knowing God matter most—
and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission 
To offer resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

Donate
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Click over to our Donation page … and thanks.

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