Slow Living Archives - Uncovered Joy

How to calm the Stress: Meditate on God’s Word

Filed Under: Bible Study, Slow Living // November 12, 2024

This post is all about how to meditate on God’s word.

When you choose to meditate on God (who He is and what He has done) through His word (which is living and active), you enable yourself to slow down and call the stress of life.

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and pulled along by life’s demands? Do you hate feeling swept up in the current of busyness and long to sit on the shore in peace?

What if I told you that the answer to calming your stress lay in adding one more thing to your overflowing plate? I know it seems daunting, but just hear me out for a moment. Meditating on God’s word will help you put your life into perspective and give you peace. It will calm your stress while giving you a sense of purpose and freedom.

Meditate God's word — Here is how you can meditate on God’s word to calm the stress in your life.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Calming the Stress

It is a common problem for Americans right now to feel stressed and overwhelmed in life. We live in a society that sees being busy as a good thing. To the point where the busier you are, the more successful you must be. Or the happier you are.

When, in reality, that isn’t the case.

As Christians, we know that the Word of God brings life and peace. But if you were honest with yourself, how often do you actually open the Word of God? And even more so than just opening and skimming the Bible, how often do you devote your precious time to studying it and understanding it better?

How many days go by in any given week that you don’t open the word of God?

It can be so easy to say that you want to calm the stress in your life, but are you willing to replace your busy, stress-filled life with the Word of God?

Meditate on God’s word to relieve stress

Meditation has many benefits, with reduced stress at the top of the list. Many claim that meditation can help with depression and anxiety as well as other mental health disorders. Meditation is also touted to improve attention span, memory, and concentration.

These are just the benefits stated when it comes to secular meditation. But what would happen if we purposely set aside time to fill our minds with God’s Word instead of trying to empty our minds of everything?

Is meditation Biblical?

Although our current culture likes to tout meditation as a new way to combat stress, the idea of meditation goes back much further than the 21st century. In order to understand whether meditation is Biblical, let’s take a break for a story.

If you know your Bible well, you will remember that after God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He led them through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. During this time, they heard the words of God and established themselves as a free people. When they were on the outskirts of Canaan, getting ready to take the land, they allowed fear to rule in their hearts and essentially told God “no thanks.” As a result, they wandered the wilderness for 40 years. During this time, they continued to hear the words of God and began to trust Him with their whole hearts. As the time approached for them to take the Land of Canaan once again, this time they were ready to rely on God. It was while waiting to enter the land that God told them:

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. – Joshua 1:8

God commanded His people to meditate on His word day and night.

Meditate on God's word today — Meditating on God’s word has so many unique benefits.

What the Bible has to say about meditation

The first instance in the Bible where meditation was mentioned, it was commanded by God. But that is not the only place it is mentioned. In fact, the Hebrew word translated as meditate, הָגָה (hāḡâ) occurs multiple times, and means “to moan, muse, and mutter: to meditate”.

Some of the other verses that mention this word include:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. {Psalm 1:1-2}

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. {Psalm 143:5}

There are also a few other instances where the Bible mentions meditation, such as:

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. {Psalm 48:9-10}

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. {Philippians 4:8}

What is the Word of God

With all this talk about the need to meditate on the Word of God, I should probably clear up what the Word of God is.

First, the Word of God is the Bible. It is divinely inspired by God Himself, even though it was written by 40 different authors over a period of over 2000 years. The Word of God is infallible (2 Peter 1:19). It is useful for teaching and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And the Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12).

The Word of God is also Jesus. John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” When we focus our minds on Jesus and His qualities, we are also meditating on the Word of God.

What are the requirements to meditate on God’s Word?

Meditating on God’s word is a relatively simple task and doesn’t require too much more than a willing heart. Here are the three requirements to meditate on God’s Word.

Meditation needs to be a priority
Meditation needs to begin with a plan
Meditation needs to have a purpose

Although this can seem like a lot, it’s actually quite simple. Let’s break it down.

You can grow closer to God by meditating on His word.

Make it a priority to meditate on God’s word

We are called to meditate on God’s word day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). Each of us are also instructed to talk about God’s word when we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up. We are to write His law on our doorframes and on our gates (Deuteronomy 11:18-21). We are to fix our thoughts on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1) and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Steps to Meditate on God’s word

The steps required to meditate on God’s word are quite simple, and they will vary depending on your preferences. The key thing to remember is that you must make this a priority with your heart and mind focused on God.

Shut out the World
Read the passage over and over
Listen to the passage
Write the passage down
Sing the passage
Pray the passage
Post the passage around you
Ask questions about the passage
Use different Bible study methods to understand the passage
Talk about the passage with others

Although this may seem like a lot, the more you meditate on God’s word, the more you will be able to get into a flow of what works best for you.

Here is a brief description of each step to help you meditate on God’s word.

Shut out the World

The first thing you will want to do to meditate on God’s word is to go to a quiet place where you can spend some time focusing. Don’t be afraid to get away from the distractions of the world. You may need to leave your phone behind or hide in a closet so that you can focus on God alone.

Read the Passage over and over

In order to meditate on God’s word, you want to read the small passage or verse over and over again, becoming familiar with its words and what it is saying. This will help you begin to memorize the verse so that you have it with you always.

Listen to the passage

Listening to the passage or verse is another great way to memorize it. It will also help your mind to think about and meditate on it when you hear it in a different voice.

Write the passage down

Once again, this step helps you focus on the verse. Writing it down forces you to pay attention to every word as it engrains the passage into your memory.

Sing the passage

If you feel like it, go ahead and make up a tune for the passage as a way to help you remember it and also draw attention to certain words.

Pray the passage

Prayer is so powerful, and there are multiple times throughout the Bible where you see different people praying back God’s word to Him. Go ahead and pray the passage, as well as pray about the passage. Open yourself up to let the Holy Spirit convict you about what the verse means.

Post the passage around you

The Israelites wrote down passages and tied them to their foreheads and placed them on their doors and gates. These were places where they would frequently see the passage and remember God’s word. Grab some sticky notes and place the passage you are meditating on around you so that you have it as a reminder throughout the day.

Ask questions about the passage

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the Bible. When you are meditating on God’s word, ask questions about the verse. Do you know the people, places, or things mentioned? Are there words you are unsure of? Do you just want to know why something was said? Ask as many questions about the verse as you can think of.

Meditate on the word of God — Meditate on God’s word to give you a renewed mind.

Use different Bible study methods to help you understand the passage

There are so many great Bible study methods that can help you understand the verse you are reading. Consider using the Word Bible study method or even verse mapping while you are meditating on God’s word.

Talk about the passage with others

In order to really apply the passage to your life, you should be talking about it with others. This is a great way to not only solidify what you are meditating on, but also to encourage other people with what you are learning.

What is the difference between meditation and Bible study?

Although there are quite a few similarities between a good Bible study and meditating on God’s word, one of the key differences is that a Bible study tends to be more academic. Bible study usually takes place over a certain period of time and you then walk away from it and move on to your daily tasks. Meditating on God’s word is meant to be constant. The goal of meditation is to always be focused on God’s word and His character.

How often should you meditate on God’s word?

The answer to this question will vary based on each person. Some will be called to consistent, daily meditation. While others may only meditate once or twice per week. The important thing to remember when deciding how often to meditate is that focusing on God’s word must be a priority in your life.

Reflect on how you can meditate on God’s word today

If you are ready to make God first in your life, take a moment today to slow down and connect with His word. Set aside the busyness and stress, and let God’s truth bring you purpose and peace today. Start with a verse that is already in your mind and follow the steps above. Are you ready to experience the calm that comes when you focus on His promises?

This post was all about how to meditate on God’s word.

Slow Living Toddler: Easy Steps to a More Peaceful Life Together

Filed Under: Slow Living // September 10, 2024

This blog post is all about how to practice slow living with a toddler running around.

Slow living seems like a dream—until you have a toddler. Suddenly, the notion of sipping your morning coffee or quietly enjoying a book seems like a distant memory. You’re too busy chasing after a tiny whirlwind, keeping them alive while they try to sabotage your sanity. But what if I told you that slow living is possible, even with a toddler running around? If you’re searching for ways to slow down, engage with your little one, and find a bit of peace, this post is for you.

Slow living toddler — Here is how you can practice slow living with a toddler

Follow a slow-living routine

If you haven’t already, consider setting a routine for your tinny tot – and yourself. Although you don’t need to follow a strict schedule, having a routine can help both of you know what’s coming next and allow you to enjoy the moment.

A common routine to help moms keep their sanity includes waking up before their toddler to get a moment to compose themselves before chaos ensues. During this time, you can shower, read your Bible, plan the day, or make a special breakfast. The possibilities are endless and so is the reward.

Whatever your routine is, keep it consistent, but don’t feel like you can never deviate from it.

Don’t look at the clock

Part of the slow-living mindset is enjoying every moment, while being intentional about what you are doing. If you are constantly looking at the clock, chances are that you aren’t having fun.

Although the days can seem to drag on, try to find ways to enjoy every moment. Take time to remember why you are doing what you are doing. Evaluate if your current activity is working for you or if you need to change things up a little.

Cut out screen time for your slow living toddler

Did you know that both the CDC recommends that children under 2 have no screen time at all? There are many studies that show the negative effects on toddlers who are exposed to screen time, including attention and mood disorders.

Consider reducing the screen time for your child and instead allowing your child to build experiences with you. The following tips give you ideas on how to fill up the day in meaningful ways that provide engagement for your toddler and rest for you.

Get your toddler outside

The book “There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather” by Linda McGurck addresses the lack of outside play time for many kids in a unique way. When a Swedish woman became a mom in rural Indiana, she was confronted with the reality that Americans do not spend time outdoors anymore. From this, the 1000 hours outside community was born. This challenge encourages parents to get their kids outside for 1000 hours a year, which translates to around 3 hours per day.

Although it can seem overwhelming to get your toddler outside, it can be a great replacement for screen time and can provide you with an opportunity to rest and relax as well.

If you have a yard, consider adding one or two toddler toys for them to enjoy. This toddler water table is a best seller on amazon and is sure to keep your little one entertained for hours. A balance bike is a must for young toddlers who are learning how to walk and run. The four-wheeled ones are a great option as they can be ridden on pavement, grass, and even gravel. A toddler playset would be the perfect gift for any active kid.

If you don’t have a yard, find a local park. You’d be surprised at how empty most of the are. Trails are also great for engaging your toddler’s imagination and creativity.

slow living with a toddler — Slow living with a toddler involves doing the things you love doing.

Parent’s hack

If you aren’t convinced about getting your toddler outside, consider what it will do for you! If you have a yard, get yourself a nice comfortable chair and put your feet up. You’ll be surprised at how long your toddler can entertain themselves while you get a moment to enjoy slow living. Take a minute to sip on your favorite drink and read a good book.

If you frequently take your child to the park (I take my toddler almost everyday) consider a camping chair that is easy to pack up and take with you. I love to download audiobooks and listen to them with one earbud in so I can keep an eye on what’s going on.

Allow your slow-living toddler to play independently

One of the greatest realizations in parenthood is that you don’t need to constantly entertain your child. Allow your child a chance for independent play. Whether it means giving them open-ended toys, or allowing them to pull out all of your dish towels from your kitchen drawer, independent play will increase their attention span and creativity.

Be intentional with your toddler’s toys

One of the rules in our house is no toys with batteries. While this may seem extreme, it prevents my toddler from being overstimulated and me from feeling frustrated by the loud noises and flashing lights. With this rule in place, I have seen my toddler – from the time he was 12 months – be able to play independently for significant periods of time. Some of the toys we love include Montessori inspired ones, although we have never purchased anything official. My toddler loves his block set, as well as his stacking cups and ring set. It is truly amazing all of the ways he finds to play with these toys.

I also keep his toys to a minimum and do a toy rotation so he only has access to a few at a time. This way he plays with the ones that are out for a much longer period of time than when they are all available to him.

Involve toddler in daily chores

One of the common struggles for parents is never finding time to clean the constant messes their little one makes. Instead of waiting for time without your toddler to clean, enlist them for their help. Every morning, my toddler and I like to do “cleaning hour” where we unload the dishwasher, make the beds, vacuum and mop, and do some laundry.

It is never too early to start teaching them the importance of looking after the home. If you aren’t sure how to have your toddler help you, just start your regular tasks while they are in the room with you. Chances are, they will show you exactly how they can help!

Sometimes my toddler likes to be carried while I vacuum, other times he likes to use our handheld vacuum to help, and still other times he pushes his bike in the same back and forth motion I am doing.

Although it may end up taking you a little longer to clean with the help of your toddler, you can practice this form of slow living by knowing that you are being intentional in building your little ones skills.

Give your slow-living toddler responsibility

One of the best ways to practice slow living with your toddler is by giving them more responsibility. Although there is definitely a limit to the responsibility a two-year-old can have, you can start setting them up now with age-appropriate activities. You may be surprised at what your toddler is capable of doing. Have them place their blankets or stuffed animals back in their beds in the morning. Or they can put their own dirty clothes in the hamper when you get them dressed for the day.

Listen to and watch your toddler, and you will be amazed at how much they love their small responsibilities.

Explore your world

Not everything in life revolves around your toddler. So don’t get so wrapped up in joining their world that you forget to have interests and hobbies of your own. What do you enjoy doing? How can you engage your toddler to meet you with your hobbies?

If you enjoy going to museums, bring your toddler along and explain the exhibits to them. If you enjoy painting, set your toddler up with their own mini canvas and washable paint. Maybe you need to get some work done on the computer while your toddler is present. Simply buy them a keyboard and have them tick-tack-tap right next to you.

Just like anyone, toddlers love to be involved in what you are doing. Use that to your advantage and continue doing the things you love.

slow living outdoors — Find ways to get outside every day.

Encourage your slow-living toddler’s interests

Just as you should continue in your interests, don’t forget to encourage the interests of your toddler. If you notice they love coloring, bring that activity out more often. Maybe they love dancing to music, so you create a fun playlist and have a daily dance party. No matter what your toddler enjoys doing, if you take the time to slow down and notice them, you’ll be able to find ways to engage with them and what they love.

Enjoy every moment with your miniature friend

Being a parent is hard. There’s no doubt about it. But there are also things that make parenting easier. Learning to enjoy every moment is one of those things. No matter what you are doing, stop yourself and ask what is one thing you enjoy about it.

Do you enjoy seeing the pleasure on your toddlers face when you unbuckle them at the park? Do you enjoy tiny hands reaching up to hand you silverware as they “help” unload the dishwasher? Maybe you enjoy running through the house with blankets tied around you both like capes.

Although the days may seem long sometimes, the years truly are short and will pass by before you know it. Make the most of the time you have by being present. Enjoy the little moments as well as the big ones.

A final note

Slow-living with a toddler is no easy task. But neither is being a parent. If you are already taking care of a tiny human, you might as well enjoy every moment and make it the best years of your life. Psalm 127:3 tells us that children are a heritage and a blessing from God. Enjoy your blessing.

What are some small ways you can start practicing slow living with your toddler today? Remember, every moment with your little one is a gift—take the time to unwrap it slowly and savor the joy it brings.

This post was all about practicing slow living with a toddler.

Simplifying life Biblically – how to focus on what matters

Filed Under: Slow Living // June 4, 2024

This post is all about simplifying life biblically, what it means for you, and how to do it.

Do you struggle with overwhelm? Too many things in your house or appointments on your calendar. This post is for you! In it, you will discover the secret to living a more fulfilling life by finally doing the things that matter and rejecting the distractions that try to deter you from them!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Making time for what’s important: the purpose of simplifying life

Do you often feel overwhelmed by this world? Maybe it’s the constant rushing from one activity to the next. Perhaps you have too many deadlines at work to meet, or maybe you turn on the news and can’t stand to hear about the evil in this world.

Whatever the case may be, Jesus did not come to give you an overwhelmed life, but rather an abundant life (John 10:10). He came to give you peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) and hope for your future (Jeremiah 29:11). These things are found in Jesus, and it is only through Him that you can truly live.

But how do you experience life in Jesus when you are always on the go? The key is learning how to simplify your life by saying “no” to what doesn’t matter and “yes” to what does.

Having true intimacy and connection with God is difficult for us in this modern world because our lives are too chaotic and cluttered. Learning to prioritize time with God by saying “no” to the noise of life will help you in simplifying your life Biblically.

Seeking first the kingdom of God

Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness, and everything else will come later (Matthew 6:33). The key to simplifying life is to seek God first, putting Him first in everything. As you do that, your perspective will start to shift as you become kingdom-focused. You will start to realize that the things you once considered important aren’t that valuable after all.

Seeking first the kingdom of God means pursuing God. It means spending time in His word and growing in your relationship with Him. It means learning how to pray and talk to him as so many of the patriarchs did. Although this may sound like more boxes on your list to complete – which is the opposite of living simply – seeking God first changes your perspective and clarifies what is really important in your life.

Uncovering Biblical principles for simplifying life

Although the Bible may not contain a neat and tidy checklist of “21 ways to simplify your life,” there are many verses that give you principles to live by. These principles, when applied to how you view the world, will give you an overwhelming peace for whatever comes your way.

Disclaimer: a time to simplify and a time to step out

Part of simplifying biblically is knowing that you don’t always have to simplify. Maybe it isn’t the right season for you to declutter. Or maybe God is actually asking you to step up and step out. Whatever the season you are going through, remember to keep your eyes on Jesus, who truly is the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Understanding the call to simplifying life

Simplify means to make something simple. Does that describe your life? For most of us, the answer is “no, not at all.” I think Jesus must have known this because all throughout the Bible He simplified His teachings so that everyone could understand.

When asked what the most important command was, he simply answered: “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The second greatest command is like it: love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:36-40). If all of the laws and prophets hang on these two commands, then we should probably start here in seeking first the kingdom of God and learning to live Biblically. And the best way to begin loving God and your neighbor is to simplify everything else that doesn’t contribute to that goal.

how to simplify Biblically — Is it time for simplifying life, or stepping out in faith?

Overwhelmed by the demands of modern life

In a fast-paced world of short-form content creation, keeping up with the Joneses, and endless new products to buy, places to go, and people to imitate, it is easy to get overwhelmed. It seems that there is always something to be done, leaving no time for God or loving His creation. The key to living simply is identifying what is taking your time away from you. What is causing you distractions? And what you can let go of.

The culture of busyness: distractions and noise

I once heard a saying “who the devil cannot dissuade, he distracts.” What a terrifying idea! The fact is, I know the devil will never be able to deter me from following Christ and serving Him, but there have been many times that I have gotten so distracted that I just don’t have time for Him.

Perhaps you are right there with me. The time in your day seems to slip away and before you know it, all those good intentions of spending time in the Word are gone as your head hits the pillow after another long, exhausting day.

The gospel of John tells us that “the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.” He wants to make it so that we have no joy in life. He delights when we are so overwhelmed by the chaos of life that we have no time to go to the comforter and father of peace. But there is good news in John 10:10, Jesus says that although the thief has come to steal your joy, He has come so that you may have abundant life in Him. But in order to live the life God has called you to, you must learn to listen to His voice above all of the noise.

Discovering what truly matters by simplifying life

It comes as no surprise that when people are on their death-bed, thinking about what they wished they had done differently during their lives, almost everyone says they wished that they had spent more time on relationships. They regret the business of life; long work days, too many extracurriculars, and too much time wasted on pointless activity. They desire more time with family and loved ones.

If you have this knowledge now, then why don’t you use it? Why don’t you take the time now to discover what truly matters? If you knew you were going to die next week, would you be content living with what you have scheduled on your calendar? Or would you make more time for being in the Word and enjoying the important people in your life?

Embracing simplicity in a materialistic world

This world tries to sell us the image of having the perfect life, which includes achieving success in your career so you have enough money to keep up with all the trends and take all the vacations. Marketers have created the perfect strategy of using influencers so you will buy their products. Each article promising in it’s own way to make your life better.

Unfortunately, that leaves most people with too many possessions and not enough time or energy to enjoy them.

Enjoying simplicity in a materialistic world means taking a look around you and asking yourself what you really need. What are the things in your house that are both functional and enjoyable? What are the activities that you do every day that bring you new life? And what weighs you down?

The difference between culture and kingdom values: detaching from material possessions

Culture is constantly telling you that you need to be more and do more. But God is telling you that it is already done. When Jesus died on the cross he simply exclaimed “It is finished.” In a single moment, he made Old Testament laws of sacrifice void as He fulfilled them by giving His life as a ransom for yours.

The difference between culture and the Kingdom comes in what you value. Jesus said that men cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Do you serve God alone? Or do you allow your physical possessions to get in the way? This can happen both by spending your money on buying more things, but also by spending your time to upkeep what you have. Perhaps it is time to let go of some of your possessions so you can free yourself of the burden of keeping them.

Simplifying life means finding contentment in every situation

One of the reasons people become so attached to what they have is because they think that their possessions bring them happiness. While there is nothing inherently wrong in taking delight in what you own, a problem arises when your happiness is based on it.

making life simpler — Living a simpler life opens you up to

Finding your Contentment in Christ

Paul was an apostle of Christ who wrote much of the New Testament. He was beaten, flogged, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, constantly on the move, and in danger wherever he went (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). Yet through all of this, he wrote that he “knew the secret to being content whatever the situation” (Philippians 4:11-13). This secret was that nothing in this world matters apart from loving God and His people. Paul was able to be content because his joy was found in christ alone.

Is your joy found in Christ or the things of this world? Are you content with the blessings God has already given you, or are you constantly looking for the next best thing?

Simplifying life means practicing gratitude

One of the best ways to be content is to practice gratitude. Purposefully being thankful reminds us of what we have, how blessed we are, and that we are not in need.

Paul, in his final remarks to the Thessalonians, reminds them to “rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It is not enough to only be grateful when life is good. Rather, you must make time to practice gratitude no matter the situation you are facing. Gratitude journals are a great way to keep an account of the things you are thankful for.

Writing down three things you are grateful for every day can help you simplify your life by showing you that you have enough. Practicing gratitude helps usher in contentment and peace as you reflect on the blessings God has given to you.

Rejecting the comparison trap

So often, we compare ourselves to others, thinking that they are better in some area of their life. God knew this would be a problem for all of humanity, and in the 10 commandments, he instructs “you shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).

Social media makes it easy to want what others have. Their perfect lives on display for all to see. Reject the comparison trap by finding your identity in Christ, knowing that all blessings come from Him (James 1:17). Whenever you start to feel yourself becoming jealous, take a moment to reflect on if you are content with the blessings God has given you. Take some time to be grateful for what you have.

Simplifying life means focusing on relationships

One of the many reasons people choose to complicate their lives is because they are trying to fill the void that comes from not having meaningful relationships. Whether with God or people, relationships are key for helping you feel connected and valued.

Taking time to sit at Jesus’ feet

When visiting the home of Martha in Luke 10:38-42, Jesus began teaching those present. Martha was busy, distracted by all the preparations that had been made. She was doing the work that needed to be done. But her sister Mary, instead of helping, chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, learning from Him. Martha became frustrated as most of us would. Here she was, dutifully running the household, ensuring that everyone had what they needed, while her sister had the nerve to sit and listen to the great teacher who had come to HER house.

Here, the problem is not that Martha knew things had to be done. It is that she became distracted by work and angry that her sister was not. Martha chose responsibility. Mary chose relationship. Of course, there is always work that needs to be done. But does the work you are doing need to come before you sit at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him? Does your perceived responsibility come before forming relationships with those around you?

Biblical perspectives on relationships

We were not called to life this life alone. From the very beginning, God created man and said “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). All throughout the Bible, we see examples of relationships – both good and bad – and we receive instruction about how we are to live in relationship.

Although this is not a post about relationships, it is important to note that one of the reasons for simplifying life is to have time to build and work on relationships. People are important, and making time for relationships in an integral aspect of what Jesus had called us to do.

Prioritizing what matters – simplifying life by focusing on Christ

Often simplifying life is just re-ordering your priorities so that you spend less time and money on what does’t matter and more on what does. Do you know what matters in your life?

Prioritizing prayer and meditation allows for simplifying life

How often do you make time to pray? Talking to God is one of the best ways to simplify life. Priorities in your life start to become clear as you spend time with the creator of the universe. You cannot expect your perspective in life to change unless you spend time with someone who thinks differently than you, and God is the One who you should want to draw close to.

Even Jesus spent dedicated time in prayer, talking to God. Mark 1:35 tells us that He got up very early in the morning, while it was still dark, and went off to a solitary placed where He prayed. What do you think Jesus had to talk so urgently to God about that He would wake up in the wee hours of the morning and go to where there were no distractions?

I think it’s possible that He was just talking to His father about the day. About anything and everything He could think of. Hopes and dreams. Sorrows and pains. Just as Jesus went openly to God, prioritizing time spent with Him, we also should make time to keep God first in our lives.

biblical simple life — What do you value?

Focusing on essential spiritual disciplines

One of the key purposes to simplifying life is to make time for what truly matters. Without necessarily meaning to, the early church gave us a great example of what this looked like. Acts 2:42-47 gives us a picture of what should be prioritized.

They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. For you, this is listening to sermons from your pastor and taking notes, engaging with what he says and testing it against scripture to see if it is true (Acts 17:11). It’s reading your Bible faithfully, not merely listening to what it says, but also applying it to your life (James 1:22-25).

Christians are called to fellowship. For you, this is spending time with other believers, engaging with them and caring about their joys and struggles. It’s confessing your own struggles and sins to them (James 5:16). You are called to be kind and compassionate toward others (Ephesians 4:32).

The early church devoted themselves to breaking bread together. This was more than just sharing a meal, but also sharing in each other’s physical needs. You are called to create time for breaking bread with your fellow believers.

The apostles sold everything they had. They knew that simplifying life would create an atmosphere for deepened relationships with God and fellow believers. Simplifying life was a natural step for focusing on the essential spiritual disciplines that they were learning.

Avoiding religious overload – matthew 11:28-30 – rest in Christ

Part of simplifying life is spending more time growing in relationships and decluttering your house. But part of simplifying life is also knowing when to say “no” to things so that you can truly rest in Christ.

God does not want you to live an overwhelmed life, but an abundant one. A life that bears fruit for all to see (John 15). But the first step you may need to take into that life is resting in God.

Matthew 11:28-30 has a personal invitation from Jesus to you: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Do you need to rest in Jesus today?

Related post: My Soul Finds Rest In God Alone

Setting healthy limits: knowing when to say no

It can be difficult to know when to day “no” to things. But here is a general guideline.

If the things God has called you to are suffering: home, family, devotional time, etc… then it’s time to say no to everything else that causes distractions.

Take a moment to consider your life. Are you prioritizing what needs to be valued, or are you allowing the distractions to dictate your life?

Honoring God with your time and energy

The Levitical Priests were called to give God the best and holiest of everything they had (Numbers 18:29). You have that same instruction for your life. So are you giving God your best? Or do you reserve your leftovers for Him? Start simplifying your life by making God a priority and giving Him the time, energy, and money that is due Him.

Simplifying life – a practical guide

biblical minimalism — Which tip is most helpful for your journey towards a simpler life?

Simplifying life is hard. But these tips and resources will help you in your journey.

Be still and know

Before you begin the process of simplifying your life, take a moment to be still before God (Psalm 46:10). Reflect on the fact that He is God and you are not. His name will be exalted among the nations. If you are unsure of how to be still before God, this post may help.

Trusting in God’s guidance and provision

Perhaps the reason you find it hard to simplify your life and declutter is because you find security in your possessions. Maybe their presence brings you comfort, or you find value in their monetary worth.

Instead of placing your identity in your stuff, place it in Christ. Allow Him to guide you and trust in His provision.

Making room for margin – psalm 23 and restoring our souls

In your overwhelm, you may feel as if there is no time to add rest to your calendar.

Intentional living

Part of the reason for simplifying life is learning to live more intentionally. Although this is difficult to master, the more you practice living for what you value, the easier it comes. Try carving out a day a week where you intentionally take time to focus on what matters and let everything else fall to the wayside.

Invitation for simplifying your life

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and disconnected in today’s fast-paced world? Now is the time to take a step back and focus on what really matters. Jesus offers you an abundant life filled with hope and peace. Start today by prioritizing time with God and relationships with others. Say “no” to the distractions that pull you away from living life with purpose, and embrace a simpler, more fulfilling life.

Start your journey towards a simpler, more fulfilled life today. Say “yes” to what truly matters and experience the abundant life Jesus promises.

This post was all about simplifying life to live more abundantly in what truly matters.

Slow living: the amazing truth about finding your rest in God

Filed Under: Slow Living // December 19, 2023

It is so easy to get caught up in the craziness of this world, never having time to do the things we deem important. We shift from one fad to the next, scrolling through social media if we happen to have a free minute on our hands. This is a passive lifestyle that guarantees burnout and dissatisfaction. But what if there were a different option? A lifestyle that allowed you to slow down and make time for what is truly important. This is the art of slow living.

slow living lifestyle — The art of slow living was first introduced in God’s word!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

What is slow living?

Slow living is all about choosing to live intentionally. It is about saying no to the business of life so you can say yes to the things that really matter to you. Slow living is about not keeping up with the Joneses in order that you can keep up with your family and friends. It is about living with less so that you can experience what you have more fully. It’s a lifestyle that allows you to be reflective of what is important in your life.

This is why a slow living synonym is intentional living. The slow living philosophy is all about a “more of this, less of that mindset.” As Christians, we should be desiring more of God and less of the world. This is slow living.

How slow living was first introduced by God

The concept of slowing down is not new. Intentional living was first introduced by God when he worked for 6 days to create the world and everything in it, and then, on the seventh day, He rested. Throughout the Old Testament, God commands His people to take a Sabbath rest – an intentional day out of the week where they can do no work. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes our Sabbath rest.

Hebrews 4:9-10 talks about the rest that Jesus gives, saying: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” This kind of rest only comes from believing in Jesus and trusting Him to fulfil His promises. This is a rest that we get from reading His word.

God tells us that we don’t need to do more or be more. But rather that we need to rest in Him.

finding rest in God with slow living — Finding rest in God leads to the slow living lifestyle.

What is rest in God?

The rest that God gives is having peace with Him. God promises that He will give us peace. The kind of peace that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

God gives us rest from being weary and burdened under the weight of this world (Matthew 11:28-30). He calls us to cast our anxiety on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

We have rest in God because we don’t have to worry about tomorrow’s tasks. Matthew 6:25-34 tells us that we don’t need to worry about what we will eat or drink or wear, because God is in control. Instead we should be focused on seeking first the kingdom of God.

The heart of a slow life

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). – This is slow living because we realize that this world sells us quick fixes and needing more things to be successful. There are so many examples of people needing to do and be more in order to feel accepted by others. But to be truly successful in life, all we need to hear is “well done my good and faithful servant.”

How does your life reflect those words? The purpose of life is to glorify God, making Him known to all. Living a slow life full of intentionality can help to accomplish this because you aren’t worried about all of the things that the world find important. Suddenly wearing the latest fashion, having the biggest house, or owning the newest car doesn’t matter. The only thing that truely matters is living Holy lives, dedicated to God.

How you can practice slow living

A slow life doesn’t always come natural. It can be hard to make a switch from this fast-paced world that is focused on selfishness (Self-love is not the same as God’s love) and looking a certain way, to being kingdom minded. But it is not impossible. Here are a few simple steps to taking your life back from the world and handing it over to God.

Figure out your “why”

If you were to sit down right now and write out your eulogy in three sentences, what would you say about yourself? Would it go something like “she was always on her phone and never had time to hang out with her children.” Or maybe “she seemed too busy to talk to friends and was always in a hurry to get somewhere.” Maybe “her family took the back-burner as she climbed her way up the work ladder.”

Does your eulogy say what you want it to say? Or does your life not match up with the things that you actually think are important. Now, instead of writing about what your life currently reflects, write a three sentence eulogy of what you want your life to reflect. “She was quick to laugh with her family and always new the right Bible verse to cheer everyone up.” Or, “her love for God was evident in everything she did.”

Figure out what is most important to you. Hold on to these things as you make adjustments to your life so you can slow do and live intentionally. Then ask yourself if their importance is reflected in the time you spend.

Figure out where your time is going

Now that you know your “why” it’s time to figure out how to make it happen. In order to do this, you need to figure out where your time is going. Chances are, you figured that out in your first eulogy rough-draft.

Are you endlessly scrolling on instagram? It’s time to say no to that, so you can say yes to your why. Are you binging Netflix? Are you volunteering for so many “good causes” that you don’t have time to dedicate to what God has called you to?

It may take a few days of intentionally being mindful of where your time is going, but once you know you can begin to shift your focus on to what is important to you so that you can practice slow living.

the art of a slow lifestyle — Slow living means living a life filled with intentionality.

Tips for your slow living journey

Once you know why you want to slow down and what you want to prioritize, as well as what is stealing your time away from you, here are some tips for you to practice slow living.

Enjoy living more intentionally with less stuff

There is a reason that minimalism is often linked to slow living. And that is because when you are constantly trying to acquire more things – like that awesome pan set you’ve been seeing on instagram – you miss out on enjoying what you already have. Next time you find yourself longing for something new, take time to be grateful for what you already have.

Enjoy being present instead of connected

When you are bored, what do you do? Pull out your phone to see the latest influencers happenings? Consider leaving your phone behind as you work on being present in everyday life. Set time-limits for apps, place your phone in the kitchen drawer during the day, or leave your phone behind while you go to the park with your kids. These are all simple ways to practice slow living. If you want a real challenge, maybe spend one day a week without technology.

Take time everyday to live slowly

If our rest is found in Jesus, then set aside time everyday to spend with him. This is not just another thing to check off your to-do list. It is the only way to find true rest. Isaiah 26:3 promises that when we are focused on God and His word, we will have peace. So often we feel overwhelmed because we take our eyes off of God and try to figure out problems for ourselves.

Again, in Exodus 33:14, God tells us that when His presence is with us, He will give us rest. Spending time with God, knowing that His presence is with us and enjoying His word, is the best way to find true rest. Here is one area in your life that if you say “no” to mindless scrolling and “yes” to time with God, you will notice a change in your life. This is the best way to practice slow living.

Be rooted in truth

One of the fastest ways to get burnt out is to not know where you are rooted. As Christians, we are rooted in Christ. Colossians 2:6-7 reminds us of the importance of being rooted in Christ and His word. We need to continually live for Him, being rooted in His love and His truth. When we are rooted in Him we can rest, knowing that the craziness of life can come at us but we will not be swayed.

Schedule a reminder every week to slow down

It is so easy for the days to fly by, turning into weeks, which turn into months. Before you know it, your good intentions to slow down are out the window as you prepare for another busy season of life.

In order to ensure that you are able to live slowly, set a checkpoint in your week where you can sit down and evaluate where you are and where you are going. Grab a cup of coffee and sit on the porch, asking yourself if the past week reflects who you want to be, or if there are some changes you need to make for the following week.

Be honest with yourself about your shortcomings, but do not fixate on them. Rather use them as a way to spur yourself on to meeting your goals and living in the grace and rest of God. Take a moment to reflect on your daily quiet time with God. Was it a priority, or did it fall into the cracks of business? Was it restful, or was it just another thing to check off your list?

What things are coming up this week that require you to be fully present? Have you allotted enough time to those tasks so that you do not feel rushed during the day, or do you need to shift some things around?

practice the slow living life. — When you practice slow living, you practice finding rest in God.

What slow living is not

Slow living is not laziness. Hebrews 6:12 instructs us that instead of becoming lazy, we should “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” In order to imitate those great saints in the faith, we need to work hard with a kingdom focus. Everything we do is in light of the kingdom of God and making Him known.

Slow living is not a trend. Although slow living has seen a dramatic increase since the pandemic, those who practice slowing down don’t tend to go back to a quick lifestyle. Once you realize the benefits of living a more intentional life, it would be impossible to go back to a passive lifestyle.

SLow living is not an aesthetic. Although there are so many beautiful pictures on instagram of people promising a slow life, you do not have to live in a 50 shades of beige house to practice mindful living. You can live slowly and still maintain your own unique fashion and decorating habits.

You don’t need to live in a farmhouse on a homestead and ignore friends and family to live a slow life. If that were the case, you would miss out on so many of life’s greatest moments. The art of slow living is all about knowing what is important and what is not. Once you know that, choose to live accordingly.