A Little Slowdown Makes a Big Difference

A heart at peace gives life to the body. PROVERBS 14:30 NIV 

When the campfire starts burning and the chairs around it fill and the night air makes us thankful for the warmth we feel, stress loses its grip for a little while. Life takes hold in the peacefulness of these simple times. Our minds stop racing, our hearts start appreciating the slow-down, and we realize again how important these resets are. 

God wants us to get into the habit of having hearts at peace through a deeper dependence on Him. He wants us to rest more and worry less. He understands that as dust-derived beings we’re going to be lifelong learners because we like to control outcomes. We want to fix problems before we’ve taken the time to pray and know that God wants us to get involved. We tell ourselves we’re being responsible, when sometimes we’re being unwilling to relinquish all our cares to the One who loves us with all His heart. 

Trusting God takes time, and it also takes practice. Our faith gains confidence when we let God be God. When we let go and let God step in, things start to go right! He’s at the ready to give us the rest we need. He sees two months down the road and every need met. He watches us through the worry-wasted hours and comes through with the always-faithful answer. He won’t leave us for a second or forsake us for any reason. 

We shouldn’t take lightly the opportunities we’re given to slow down. We should treat them with the same respect we do every other goal we set to take care of ourselves. If wisdom says a heart at peace gives life to the body, it deserves our attention. Sit around a fire with friends. Stay a little longer and listen. Give your heart rest, quiet your thoughts, and let your soul get calm enough to hear the still, small voice of God. He’s all the peace and life we’ll ever need. 

Dear God, My life is in Your hands, and my heart finds peace in trusting You. Show me when I need to slow down and how to do it—and help me stay willingly surrendered to Your leading and Your love. 

This is an excerpt from The Campfire is Calling: 90 Warming Devotions for the Simple Life – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.