A Day-by-day devotional

July 3, 2023

Slow down

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 31-35

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 62:5

In music, several words may occur on the score to signify decreased tempo. For instance, ritenuto refers to a sudden change to a slower tempo. Meanwhile, ritardando means to deliberately slow down in a gradual manner. The word originates from the Italian ritardare, where we got the word retard, which pertains to delay or being late. Still, another of these words – rallentado – exists. This means to decelerate, but in a way whereby, one lets go and lets the sound die away or fade.

Although the words differ just very slightly, they have a fundamental meaning which is to slow down. Most of the time, our lives go at a rather fast speed. It is as though this world is but a huge Olympic race, and everyone is competing to get to the finish line first.

I remember when the corona virus pandemic hit the globe, everything seemed to have gone to a standstill. If there was ever something good that came out of the tragic worldwide phenomenon, it would be that a lot of us got to experience a kind of pause in life. It was in that moment of halt that we were able to reflect on so many things about our lives and the way we live. The fact that our busy world slowed down its daily business, we were presented with the opportunity to also reduce our speed. We were then able to think of things we normally would not have thought of with plenty of goings-on in life.

The bible reports of various instances where Jesus retreated to a place of solitude to be away from the crowd. He needed time to be alone, and slow things down. If the Son of God who demonstrated that He is able to calm the storm needed to slow down and take a moment to reflect and be in touch with the Father uninterruptedly, how much more do we?

It is definitely a challenge since we live in a fast-paced world where the ability to push one’s limits is celebrated. Composers write those slowing down notations on the sheet music to emphasize and accentuate certain parts of the music. Oftentimes, it comes towards the end of a passage.

It is something we also ought to do in life. If we do not take time to slow down, that emphasis would see no light of existence.

Reflection: If you have lived through the corona virus pandemic, you most probably have notably experienced solace that is a luxury in normal life. Although it is a point in where most of us wouldn’t want to go back to, think about effects that rare yet momentary solitude it brought about. That, is something you could actually go back to, in order to find rest for your weary soul.

Prayer: Father, thank you that I am able to rest in you. Even though the world around me is chaotic, my peace is you. Amen.