Rhythms of Grace: Why Slowing Down Honors God

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You ever feel like life just keeps picking up speed—like the world hit fast-forward and forgot to tell you? What if slowing down isn’t just about catching your breath—but about honoring God with the pace of your life?

Because let’s be honest—we rush from one thing to the next: lunches packed, emails answered, a quick devotional while reheating our coffee for the third time. And somewhere in the chaos, our souls whisper, “Can we slow down a bit?”.

Here’s the thing: slowing down isn’t lazy. It’s not unproductive. It’s not even counter-cultural. It’s biblical.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

God doesn’t call us to hustle harder—He calls us to abide.

When Busyness Replaces Slowing Down to Honor God

We wear busy like a badge of honor. I’ve done it. You’ve probably done it, too. We say yes when we should say, “Not today.” We fill our calendars until there’s not even room to breathe, much less rest.

But friend, even Jesus rested. He withdrew from the crowds. He took time to pray, to eat, to sit and be.

If the Savior of the world made time for rest, shouldn’t we?

Why Slowing Down as a Way to Honor God Feels So Hard

Let me just say this—slowing down sounds lovely in theory. But in reality? It can feel downright impossible.

I’m in one of the busiest seasons of my life right now. And I catch myself thinking, If I can just get through this week… if I can just finish this one project… if I can just keep going, maybe I’ll finally catch up—then I can rest.

But here’s the truth: there’s always something else waiting. Another load of laundry. Another appointment. Another need to meet.

And still—God whispers, Stop. Rest. Be still.

I can’t help but think of Jesus. Fully God, yes. But also fully human. I imagine Him surrounded by people who needed healing, teaching, miracles. He saw their pain. He knew their needs. And yet—He still stepped away.

He wasn’t ignoring the needs. He was preparing for what came next.

Jesus rested not because He was weak—but because He was wise.

He understood the purpose of margin. The power of pausing. And if our Savior made space to slow down… surely we can, too. Even when it feels like the world will keep spinning without us (and let’s be honest, it will).

The Gift of Rhythms: Honoring God with Rest

In Stop, Rest, and Eat, I reflected on Elijah’s story and how God instructed him to rest and eat during his lowest moments. That rhythm of grace—pausing to care for our physical and spiritual needs—extends beyond Elijah’s experience. It reminds us that in our own lives, creating space to rest and nourish ourselves is essential.

• It’s in saying no to one more commitment.
• It’s in taking a walk without your phone.
• It’s in pausing before you say yes—asking, “Does this align with what God is asking of me right now?”

Rhythms aren’t just about routines. They’re about intentional space to breathe, listen, and lean into God.

Slowness as Worship: How It Honors God Deeply

Slowing down gives God room to speak. When we’re still, we notice things—His presence, His provision, even His peace. It’s not that He wasn’t there before. It’s just that we were too loud to hear Him.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Rest isn’t just for tired bodies—it’s for weary hearts.

Let’s Slow Down and Reflect

What keeps you from slowing down right now? Grab a notebook or scrap of paper and jot it down. Then, write a short prayer asking God to help you trust His rhythm over your own timeline. When you feel like you’re falling behind, remind yourself—rest isn’t wasted. It’s worship.

Still learning to pause (and praying you do too).

If this post encouraged you, here are a few more that might speak to your heart:

• Stop, Rest, and Eat
• Being a Mary in a Martha World: Finding Peace in Presence Over Perfection
• Where’s the Rain, Lord?
• Disconnected
• Finding the Time

Want more mid-week encouragement like this? Sign up below for Stay Rooted — my weekly email filled with encouragement, faith-building truth, and honest glimpses of life in the middle of the chaos. You are not alone, and you don’t have to do it all.

Kneading Faith: A Devotional for the Christian Homemaker

If today’s reflection on slowing down and honoring God resonated with you, consider exploring Kneading Faith—a 10-day devotional that intertwines the art of sourdough baking with spiritual growth. Each day offers Scripture readings, faith-based insights, prayer prompts, and encouraging quotes to help you embrace patience and trust in God’s process.

👉 Discover Kneading Faith Here

Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are!

Hey there! I’m Susan Raynor, the voice behind Makin’ Macon. As a pastor’s wife, mom of two, and homeschooling mama, my life is full of beautiful chaos—and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here on the blog, I love sharing a little bit of everything: from faith-filled encouragement to frugal living tips, and of course, recipes that will make your family’s hearts (and bellies) happy. My goal is to bring a smile to your face and a bit of peace to your day, no matter what kind of craziness life throws your way. Let’s navigate this wild ride together, finding joy and laughter even in the messiest moments.

Susan