Incline Our Hearts

Slow Down

A couple of weeks ago, I gave the invocation for an OKC Blue game (the G League team for the Thunder). I have always enjoyed watching basketball, college and pro, and this was a fun opportunity to see professional players up close. I was particularly eager to see Nikola Topic, one of our most promising and inspiring young players. Topic, a 20 year old Serbian guard, has bravely fought his way back from cancer. I could see why Topic is so highly regarded as a player. There's a saying in sports that you don't want to let the game speed you up. Topic takes his time, slows down, analyzing each situation, and making good decisions (in the game I saw, he had not only 18 points but also 8 assists).

So much of modern life feels rushed, which brings anxiety. Often our response to the question “how are you?” Is “I’m busy.” There is a lot to do, and so much stimulation coming our way, every minute, that it can feel overwhelming. Lent is a season to slow down. The 40 days are long enough to settle into a solid Lenten devotional practice, a faithful and more deliberate rhythm. Prayer, self-reflection, and Bible reading in particular can help us slow down our hectic lives and distracted minds to refocus on what matters most.