How to Slow Down and Simplify Your LifeSample

Create a Healthy Rhythm

You have plenty of responsibilities to take care of, tasks to complete, and expectations to live up to. Yesterday, we began to consider how we might simplify, slow down, and pursue health.

Everyone wants a relationally full, productive, and meaningful life, but so many of us feel tired and stuck in routine; we’re just doing our best to keep up with each day’s demands.

Today, we’ll explore a major distraction that can complicate our lives—seeking control.

It’s easy to forget this basic spiritual truth: God is in control, and we’re not. When we don’t keep that in mind, we tend to try to control our lives through work. We begin obsessing over our to-do lists, and we worry about falling behind.

That’s why, throughout the Bible, God calls His people to create a consistent rhythm of work and rest.

Six days of the week were for getting things done, but the seventh day, which they called the Sabbath, was a day of rest. No cleaning, no yard work, and no errands.

Nothing productive could be done on the Sabbath. Why? One reason is because we need physical and mental rest. Our bodies and minds need a healthy pattern of work and rest to remain in good condition. But the Sabbath is also a weekly reminder that God is in control: Whether we’re working or resting, He’s the One holding everything in His hands—which means that’s not our job.

When we choose to take a break from our tasks and to-do lists, we’re making a declaration that late tasks, unfolded laundry, and unread emails don’t threaten God’s plans for the world.

So, how do we do Sabbath today? Well, it depends on your situation. You might work long hours and have people who depend on you. Don’t feel guilty if you’re not able to take a full day off each week to rest. Instead, find moments to rest when you can.

As you take regular breaks, remember that the world doesn’t rest on your shoulders. God is in control, so we can rest in Him.

Pray: Dear God, You’re in control, and I’m not. Please help me to rest in You, remembering that I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. You are in charge, and You’re big enough for the job. I give my worries and cares to You to keep. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Simplify your life by making a plan to rest each week. As you rest, reflect on God’s power. Your work is important, but God is ultimately in control.