Why the rush? Why do we jump from one thing to the next without fully enjoying either? Who set this pace you’re living in, and is it working for you?

I admittedly sped through my 30’s. Looking back, it’s all a blur as I hurried my children, pushed my plans, and rushed through each task in some sort of race I could never win. How fast could we get ready, how fast could we get there, how fast could we get done, then how fast could it be over?

Answer … fast. It was over fast. They grew up fast. Things changed fast. Their 18 summers at home went fast. My life is going fast.

And my guess is, so is yours. You’re getting older fast. Life is speeding by fast.

When I look at the life of Jesus, he never seemed to rush. He knew his time was short and he used each moment of each day for intentional impact. Connections are not made in a rush. He was here to connect and his pace reflected his intention.

Jesus, be my pace setter.

Have you ever asked Jesus to help you adjust your pace? Have you asked him to help you slow down and be in the moment, live it to the fullest, and see what he has for you here? Wouldn’t today be a beautiful day to do that?

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the guide for his sheep and we are to simply follow him. Follow his way, trust his path, and let him set the pace.

Psalm 23 says “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

A Japanese version of this scripture says “The Lord is my pace setter, I shall not rush.”

The shepherd guides his sheep not only to green pastures of provision, but he sets the pace to get there. He doesn’t rush his sheep exhausting them, and he doesn’t waste time on the journey denying them. His pace is with purpose, without rush.

I desperately need my Good Shepherd as my pace setter.

Jesus, show me how to walk through life. Show me how to slow down while moving forward with purpose. Show me how to not get caught in the rush, missing what you have for me here.

The shepherd knows where the provision of green fields are, and he knows the journey there. Isn’t it reassuring to trust he knows exactly where your provision is, and how to get there. He knows where your income is before you ever knew you would need a new job, and he will get you there right when you need it. You’re desperately looking for a house and Jesus says “girl, I’ve already got it lined up for you and we’re on our way there. Trust me.”

There is no rush. Your fret and worry is not necessary here. Jesus is your guide, simply follow him at his pace.

He says in Matthew 11: 28-30 (The Message): “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out … Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace… Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Jesus says to us today WATCH HOW I DO IT. No more living so rushed. No more living so burdened. Let us learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

What would an unforced rhythm of grace look like in your life? Oh, to live in a rhythm that isn’t so hurried. A rhythm that is never falling behind. A rhythm that is perfectly in sync, following the beat, making the music we were created to make with our days. This is living in grace. This if following the shepherd. This is allowing him to be our pace setter.

There’s no denying Jesus was important. The most important man to ever walk this earth. Yet he wasn’t busy. He was never too busy to sit for dinner with others. He was never too busy to make a connection. He was never in a hurry rushing by and leaving others only wishing he would have noticed them. No, he was available. He was present. He was engaged.

In Luke 10: 38-42 we read about Jesus telling a busy woman to slow down. Oh Martha, Martha, Martha, why the rush, why the stress, why the worry?

Martha probably felt her rush made her important. I mean come on ya’ll, Jesus is at your house for dinner, wouldn’t you be rushing to make it all perfect. Yet her sister Mary sat at Jesus feet and let the day unfold without a rush. When Martha complains that Mary was not joining her in her mad rush to get things done, Jesus says “Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus, show us what is needed here today and help us not rush on by it. Help us choose the good part too. Guide us pace setter.

The busier we are does not reflect our importance. It often reflects our imbalance. Our jacked up priorities. Oh, to be unavailable to friends and family … that’s not the example Jesus set. Oh to be unable to find the time to savor a sunset, or even know the sun has set at all. To whiz through our obligations without a mindful breath thinking this is the model of a successful life, but this isn’t the model Jesus gave us.

No more rushing. No more stressing. No more pushing and forcing, missing the unforced rhythms of grace.

Let’s finish reading the Japanese version of Psalm 23:

The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush,
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,
And His guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all importance will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity.
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility;
My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours.
For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in His house forever.

Today, may you walk in the pace of your Lord. May you watch the Shepherd closely and see he guides you perfectly in the unforced rhythm of grace. May you be available to savor all he has for you here.