Summer of Depth Devotional Day 2

Today we continue our Summer of Depth Devotional and Reading Plan by continuing to slow down and go deep with God. So today, would you consider slowing down just enough to notice Him in who you are first and then, what you do?

As you begin, find a quiet place to pause and ask God to slow your heart, mind, and soul. Like you desire Him, He also desires your presence and attention right now.

Before anything else, slow down and read: Genesis 1:26-2:3

When you’re ready, continue with this devotional:

Before anyone in Scripture does anything impressive, God calls humanity good. Before Adam and Eve build, lead, solve, produce, or prove anything, they receive life from God. And then, the first full day they experience is not a workday. It is Sabbath.

If we’re honest, most of us probably live as if rest is something we earn after enough effort. Once I complete my check-list, once I get that promotion, once I finally achieve that milestone…then maybe I’ve done enough to deserve rest. But in the beginning, rest is not a reward. It is a starting place. God builds a rhythm into creation that says, "You are not a machine. You are not what you produce. You are a creature made to live with God."

Consider this: A hurried life slowly, over time, teaches us to measure ourselves by output. The very beginning of scripture begins by telling a better story. You are made in the image of God before you are useful to anyone or anything. That is not laziness. That is a grace-filled promise. A promise with purpose. And if we do not receive that, we will try to turn every day into the next stage where we prove we deserve to exist. So instead, today, choose to start from a place of rest…not just once, but in all that you do.

Practice for Today: Before you start the next task today, pause for one minute and remember: I am loved by a God that cares more about me and who He has made me to be than what I produce, achieve, or accomplish.

Then consider praying this:

“God, slow my pace enough to receive Your love for who I am, not just measure myself by what I accomplish.

Amen.”