Most of us probably find ourselves in a busy, hurried, and hectic world. Our calendars are full, and so it may be hard to keep our gas tanks full because of all the coming and going. In a world that tells us more is better, and the fear of missing out is real for so many, how can we take the time to slow down?
In our Women of Faith Bible study, that meets on Thursdays for lunch, we are doing a study in Ecclesiastes 3. This scripture passage says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” The verses go on to list several “opposite” times – a time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to keep and a time to throw away. God has the perfect timing for everything. Most recently in this study, we took a closer look at a law in Leviticus 19 about fruit trees. This law said that for three years, that the fruit could not be eaten, the fourth year the fruit harvest was given as an offering to God, and finally in the fifth year, the fruit could be eaten. Why the wait? By instructing the people to wait three years before gathering the first crop, God gave the tree time to build up the strength necessary to have the best harvest of fruit. The tree was healthier, could live longer, and could yield a bigger crop.
God wants to do the same for the fruitfulness of our lives. There are times that are productive and busier, but there are also times to slow down with patience, so that we can be healthier and produce more fruit. Consider your own life and the importance of taking time to slow down. Don’t rush the process. God is working to grow the fruits of the spirit in you. It’s easy to get impatient, and the world around us may tell us to keep going, but if God is telling you to slow down and to take time to replenish or build strength, then listen.
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministries
