Trusting God with Your Busy Life | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 08.02.2026

Welcome to Saint Luke's United Methodist Welcome to Saint Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Meers, the executive pastor, and I'm so Meers, the executive pastor, and I'm so Meers, the executive pastor, and I'm so glad that you're joining us today. glad that you're joining us today. glad that you're joining us today. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, Whether you're in the car, at the gym, Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or settling in with a cup of coffee for or settling in with a cup of coffee for or settling in with a cup of coffee for a quiet moment, let this be your time to a quiet moment, let this be your time to a quiet moment, let this be your time to draw closer to God. As we enter this draw closer to God. As we enter this draw closer to God. As we enter this busy fall season, we're going to talk busy fall season, we're going to talk busy fall season, we're going to talk this week and next about building in this week and next about building in this week and next about building in rhythms of pause into our lives as a rhythms of pause into our lives as a rhythms of pause into our lives as a discipline for us to slow down. discipline for us to slow down. discipline for us to slow down. >> Join me in a word of prayer. Open our eyes that we might see, and Open our eyes that we might see, and open our ears that we might hear your open our ears that we might hear your open our ears that we might hear your word. word. word. And that then we can open up our hearts, And that then we can open up our hearts, And that then we can open up our hearts, God, that your word might fall in. God, that your word might fall in. God, that your word might fall in. Do its work. Do its work. Do its work. Change our hearts. Change our hearts. Change our hearts. And then, oh God, in response, open our And then, oh God, in response, open our And then, oh God, in response, open our hands that we might give and serve and hands that we might give and serve and hands that we might give and serve and love. love. love. Amen. Amen. Amen. I uh I uh I uh inspired by that anthem, I thought I'd inspired by that anthem, I thought I'd inspired by that anthem, I thought I'd begin my sermon today by singing.

begin my sermon today by singing. begin my sermon today by singing. I don't usually do that, but I thought I I don't usually do that, but I thought I I don't usually do that, but I thought I would today. And are you ready? Here we would today. And are you ready? Here we would today. And are you ready? Here we go. go. go. Meet George Jetson, Meet George Jetson, Meet George Jetson, his boy Elroy, his boy Elroy, his boy Elroy, daughter Judy, daughter Judy, daughter Judy, Jane his wife. Jane his wife. Jane his wife. Uh you guys uh probably some of you are Uh you guys uh probably some of you are Uh you guys uh probably some of you are maybe too young to remember the Jetsons. maybe too young to remember the Jetsons. maybe too young to remember the Jetsons. Um the Jetsons was a uh a futuristic Um the Jetsons was a uh a futuristic Um the Jetsons was a uh a futuristic cartoon about what life would be like. I cartoon about what life would be like. I cartoon about what life would be like. I don't even know what what year it was don't even know what what year it was don't even know what what year it was supposed to be, but they had flying cars supposed to be, but they had flying cars supposed to be, but they had flying cars and everything was uh automated, and uh and everything was uh automated, and uh and everything was uh automated, and uh this was the Jetson family that lived in this was the Jetson family that lived in this was the Jetson family that lived in that uh that era. Here Here's what's that uh that era. Here Here's what's that uh that era. Here Here's what's amazing, it ran for only one season. amazing, it ran for only one season. amazing, it ran for only one season. 1962 to 1963, 1962 to 1963, 1962 to 1963, and then they just kept selling the same and then they just kept selling the same and then they just kept selling the same old ones over and over and over and over old ones over and over and over and over old ones over and over and over and over year after year in syndication and oh my year after year in syndication and oh my year after year in syndication and oh my goodness it it became iconic uh for this goodness it it became iconic uh for this goodness it it became iconic uh for this this family uh the Jetsons. this family uh the Jetsons. this family uh the Jetsons. At the end of the show um they would be At the end of the show um they would be At the end of the show um they would be running the credits and George would be running the credits and George would be running the credits and George would be coming home from work uh getting out of coming home from work uh getting out of coming home from work uh getting out of his flying car. He would ride on a his flying car. He would ride on a his flying car. He would ride on a little chair in and uh they would uh little chair in and uh they would uh little chair in and uh they would uh someone would take his shoes off and put someone would take his shoes off and put someone would take his shoes off and put his slippers on and uh Jane would put his slippers on and uh Jane would put his slippers on and uh Jane would put his pipe in his mouth and uh he would uh his pipe in his mouth and uh he would uh his pipe in his mouth and uh he would uh end up at home and then he would walk end up at home and then he would walk end up at home and then he would walk the dog. Now the dog's name was the dog. Now the dog's name was the dog. Now the dog's name was Astro, of course.

Astro, of course. Astro, of course. Of course, named Astro. And he would Of course, named Astro. And he would Of course, named Astro. And he would walk the dog on a treadmill. And the walk the dog on a treadmill. And the walk the dog on a treadmill. And the treadmill would go and he would walk on treadmill would go and he would walk on treadmill would go and he would walk on the treadmill and then this cat jumps the treadmill and then this cat jumps the treadmill and then this cat jumps out and gets in front of the dog and the out and gets in front of the dog and the out and gets in front of the dog and the dog begins to run so fast and and he dog begins to run so fast and and he dog begins to run so fast and and he can't keep up with the dog and finally can't keep up with the dog and finally can't keep up with the dog and finally he lets go of the dog who's chasing the he lets go of the dog who's chasing the he lets go of the dog who's chasing the cat and and George begins to swivel cat and and George begins to swivel cat and and George begins to swivel round and round on the treadmill. He round and round on the treadmill. He round and round on the treadmill. He just gets stuck on it over and over like just gets stuck on it over and over like just gets stuck on it over and over like this like this and he yells out, "Jane, this like this and he yells out, "Jane, this like this and he yells out, "Jane, stop this thing." stop this thing." stop this thing." And I just think that is a message for And I just think that is a message for And I just think that is a message for us today. us today. us today. Uh God, stop this thing. Uh God, stop this thing. Uh God, stop this thing. I am caught on a treadmill that I I I am caught on a treadmill that I I I am caught on a treadmill that I I didn't want to be on and it is going didn't want to be on and it is going didn't want to be on and it is going faster and faster and I just need it to faster and faster and I just need it to faster and faster and I just need it to stop. So we're going to be talking over the So we're going to be talking over the next 2 weeks about this idea of next 2 weeks about this idea of next 2 weeks about this idea of stopping. The word Sabbath literally stopping. The word Sabbath literally stopping. The word Sabbath literally means to stop.

means to stop. means to stop. And how do we build Sabbath into our And how do we build Sabbath into our And how do we build Sabbath into our lives? Now um lives? Now um lives? Now um I'm I'm going to use a word in our I'm I'm going to use a word in our I'm I'm going to use a word in our scripture today in our sermon today scripture today in our sermon today scripture today in our sermon today that's found in our scripture and I want that's found in our scripture and I want that's found in our scripture and I want to really be careful with it and it's to really be careful with it and it's to really be careful with it and it's the word is slavery. the word is slavery. the word is slavery. Um Um Um obviously uh obviously uh obviously uh real slavery, the slavery that the that real slavery, the slavery that the that real slavery, the slavery that the that the Jews were the Jews were the Jews were children of Israel were subject to in children of Israel were subject to in children of Israel were subject to in Egypt, the slavery in the transatlantic Egypt, the slavery in the transatlantic Egypt, the slavery in the transatlantic slave trade, and modern slavery that's slave trade, and modern slavery that's slave trade, and modern slavery that's still around. You know, 50 million still around. You know, 50 million still around. You know, 50 million people are still caught in slavery people are still caught in slavery people are still caught in slavery today. They may be today. They may be today. They may be forced labor, it might be debt service forced labor, it might be debt service forced labor, it might be debt service where they borrowed money to go where they borrowed money to go where they borrowed money to go somewhere or do something and then they somewhere or do something and then they somewhere or do something and then they they aren't paid enough to pay off the they aren't paid enough to pay off the they aren't paid enough to pay off the debt and they have to work it off. It debt and they have to work it off. It debt and they have to work it off. It may be child labor, forced child labor, may be child labor, forced child labor, may be child labor, forced child labor, maybe forced marriage, maybe forced marriage, maybe forced marriage, maybe sex trafficking. There's all sorts maybe sex trafficking. There's all sorts maybe sex trafficking. There's all sorts of different slavery today. And I don't of different slavery today. And I don't of different slavery today. And I don't want in any way to to imply that what want in any way to to imply that what want in any way to to imply that what we're talking about today is the same we're talking about today is the same we're talking about today is the same kind of thing.

kind of thing. kind of thing. But maybe there's a metaphorical sense But maybe there's a metaphorical sense But maybe there's a metaphorical sense that we can talk about about slavery in that we can talk about about slavery in that we can talk about about slavery in the sense of being captive by something the sense of being captive by something the sense of being captive by something that controls us. that controls us. that controls us. And and that's really what I want to And and that's really what I want to And and that's really what I want to deal with today. We can be controlled, deal with today. We can be controlled, deal with today. We can be controlled, captive by all sorts of things. We can captive by all sorts of things. We can captive by all sorts of things. We can be captive by addictions of some sort. be captive by addictions of some sort. be captive by addictions of some sort. We can be We can be We can be captives of our sense of order. I want captives of our sense of order. I want captives of our sense of order. I want everything just right, everything has to everything just right, everything has to everything just right, everything has to be just right or I can't be okay. I can be just right or I can't be okay. I can be just right or I can't be okay. I can be be be a captive by my schedule. I've got to a captive by my schedule. I've got to a captive by my schedule. I've got to eat at noon and I've got to eat at 6:00 eat at noon and I've got to eat at 6:00 eat at noon and I've got to eat at 6:00 and I've got to go for a walk at 3:00 and I've got to go for a walk at 3:00 and I've got to go for a walk at 3:00 and everything has to be at exactly the and everything has to be at exactly the and everything has to be at exactly the same time or I just can't be happy. same time or I just can't be happy. same time or I just can't be happy. I can be I can be I can be a captive to expectations of other a captive to expectations of other a captive to expectations of other people that people expect certain things people that people expect certain things people that people expect certain things of me. I mean, we can go on and on about of me. I mean, we can go on and on about of me. I mean, we can go on and on about all of the different kinds of things all of the different kinds of things all of the different kinds of things that we we we are slaves to. that we we we are slaves to. that we we we are slaves to. But But But I want to talk about two specifically I want to talk about two specifically I want to talk about two specifically today and one is to be that we can be today and one is to be that we can be today and one is to be that we can be slaves to our work life slaves to our work life slaves to our work life and we can be slaves to our schedules.

and we can be slaves to our schedules. and we can be slaves to our schedules. These things that just seem to just These things that just seem to just These things that just seem to just always are demanding of us, always always are demanding of us, always always are demanding of us, always demanding of us, and we just can't seem demanding of us, and we just can't seem demanding of us, and we just can't seem to get off the treadmill. to get off the treadmill. to get off the treadmill. And we can be slaves to our work. Uh And we can be slaves to our work. Uh And we can be slaves to our work. Uh I've told you before about my love of I've told you before about my love of I've told you before about my love of the book The Little Prince. My father the book The Little Prince. My father the book The Little Prince. My father gave it to me in high school, and I gave it to me in high school, and I gave it to me in high school, and I still have that little paperback copy. still have that little paperback copy. still have that little paperback copy. And in it he he the little prince, it's And in it he he the little prince, it's And in it he he the little prince, it's a fantasy, and he's he's traveling about a fantasy, and he's he's traveling about a fantasy, and he's he's traveling about the the universe, and he stops on these the the universe, and he stops on these the the universe, and he stops on these different asteroids. And each of these different asteroids. And each of these different asteroids. And each of these asteroids he runs across a person who's asteroids he runs across a person who's asteroids he runs across a person who's living on the asteroid. And they're living on the asteroid. And they're living on the asteroid. And they're different kinds. They he learns different kinds. They he learns different kinds. They he learns something about life from each person. something about life from each person. something about life from each person. Well, he lands on an asteroid, and he Well, he lands on an asteroid, and he Well, he lands on an asteroid, and he it's a very small little asteroid, and it's a very small little asteroid, and it's a very small little asteroid, and it it has a lamplighter on it. And uh he it it has a lamplighter on it. And uh he it it has a lamplighter on it. And uh he has a conversation with the lamplighter. has a conversation with the lamplighter. has a conversation with the lamplighter. And listen, And listen, And listen, the little prince begins the the little prince begins the the little prince begins the conversation. conversation. conversation. Good morning. Uh Good morning. Uh Good morning. Uh >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Why have you just put out your lamp? >> Why have you just put out your lamp? >> Why have you just put out your lamp? "Well, those are the orders," replied "Well, those are the orders," replied "Well, those are the orders," replied the lamplighter. Good morning.

the lamplighter. Good morning. the lamplighter. Good morning. What are the orders? What are the orders? What are the orders? "The orders are that I put out my lamp. "The orders are that I put out my lamp. "The orders are that I put out my lamp. Good evening." And he lighted his lamp Good evening." And he lighted his lamp Good evening." And he lighted his lamp again. again. again. But why have you just lighted it again? But why have you just lighted it again? But why have you just lighted it again? "Those are the orders," replied the "Those are the orders," replied the "Those are the orders," replied the lamplighter. lamplighter. lamplighter. "I do not understand," said the little "I do not understand," said the little "I do not understand," said the little prince. prince. prince. "Well, there's nothing to understand," "Well, there's nothing to understand," "Well, there's nothing to understand," said the lamplighter. "Orders are said the lamplighter. "Orders are said the lamplighter. "Orders are orders. Good morning." And he put out orders. Good morning." And he put out orders. Good morning." And he put out the lamp. the lamp. the lamp. And then he mopped his forehead with a And then he mopped his forehead with a And then he mopped his forehead with a handkerchief decorated with red squares. handkerchief decorated with red squares. handkerchief decorated with red squares. "I follow a terrible profession. In the "I follow a terrible profession. In the "I follow a terrible profession. In the old days it was reasonable. I put out old days it was reasonable. I put out old days it was reasonable. I put out the lamp in the morning, and in the the lamp in the morning, and in the the lamp in the morning, and in the evening I lighted it again. I had the evening I lighted it again. I had the evening I lighted it again. I had the rest of the day for relaxation and the rest of the day for relaxation and the rest of the day for relaxation and the rest of the night for sleep. rest of the night for sleep. rest of the night for sleep. And the orders have been changed since And the orders have been changed since And the orders have been changed since that time? that time? that time? "The orders have not been changed," says "The orders have not been changed," says "The orders have not been changed," says the lamplighter. "That is the tragedy. the lamplighter. "That is the tragedy. the lamplighter. "That is the tragedy. From year to year the planet has turned From year to year the planet has turned From year to year the planet has turned more rapidly, and the orders have not more rapidly, and the orders have not more rapidly, and the orders have not been changed. The planet now makes a been changed. The planet now makes a been changed. The planet now makes a complete turn every minute, and I no complete turn every minute, and I no complete turn every minute, and I no longer have a single second for repose.

longer have a single second for repose. longer have a single second for repose. Once every minute, I have to light my Once every minute, I have to light my Once every minute, I have to light my lamp and put it out. lamp and put it out. lamp and put it out. This idea of these are the orders, I've This idea of these are the orders, I've This idea of these are the orders, I've got to do what I'm told to do, I've got got to do what I'm told to do, I've got got to do what I'm told to do, I've got to do what I what I said I would do. And to do what I what I said I would do. And to do what I what I said I would do. And here's what's interesting, the little here's what's interesting, the little here's what's interesting, the little prince has great respect for the prince has great respect for the prince has great respect for the lamplighter, as silly as it sounds, lamplighter, as silly as it sounds, lamplighter, as silly as it sounds, because he says the lamplighter is because he says the lamplighter is because he says the lamplighter is someone who cares about something other someone who cares about something other someone who cares about something other than himself. than himself. than himself. He has a responsibility. You see, He has a responsibility. You see, He has a responsibility. You see, understand that understand that understand that that it's not that our work doesn't that it's not that our work doesn't that it's not that our work doesn't matter. matter. matter. You know, sometimes people say, "Well, You know, sometimes people say, "Well, You know, sometimes people say, "Well, that's not what really matters. You're that's not what really matters. You're that's not what really matters. You're thinking about your work. That shouldn't thinking about your work. That shouldn't thinking about your work. That shouldn't really matter." No, our work matters a really matter." No, our work matters a really matter." No, our work matters a lot. lot. lot. Right? We've got things to do. We have a Right? We've got things to do. We have a Right? We've got things to do. We have a responsibility. We have our part to play responsibility. We have our part to play responsibility. We have our part to play in the world, and it really does matter. in the world, and it really does matter. in the world, and it really does matter. What we do really does make a What we do really does make a What we do really does make a difference. difference. difference. But at some point, we lose control of But at some point, we lose control of But at some point, we lose control of that. that. that. And he what he's what he's saying is And he what he's what he's saying is And he what he's what he's saying is look, you've got to find time to to stop look, you've got to find time to to stop look, you've got to find time to to stop and rest. You can't work all the time.

and rest. You can't work all the time. and rest. You can't work all the time. Sometimes we become Sometimes we become Sometimes we become become slaves, captive to that order, become slaves, captive to that order, become slaves, captive to that order, that that those orders that come, our that that those orders that come, our that that those orders that come, our work life. Maybe it's your schedule that work life. Maybe it's your schedule that work life. Maybe it's your schedule that you are you are you are captive to. My daughter Courtney and her captive to. My daughter Courtney and her captive to. My daughter Courtney and her husband Andrew asked for a family gift husband Andrew asked for a family gift husband Andrew asked for a family gift for Christmas last year, and they wanted for Christmas last year, and they wanted for Christmas last year, and they wanted this big screen TV thing. And this big screen TV thing. And this big screen TV thing. And but it's not really a TV. It is but it's not really a TV. It is but it's not really a TV. It is something called Skylight. And here's something called Skylight. And here's something called Skylight. And here's what Skylight is, it's a calendar, a what Skylight is, it's a calendar, a what Skylight is, it's a calendar, a digital calendar that goes on your wall, digital calendar that goes on your wall, digital calendar that goes on your wall, and it is and it has it merges all of and it is and it has it merges all of and it is and it has it merges all of the calendars from each person in the the calendars from each person in the the calendars from each person in the family. So, it has all of the kids' family. So, it has all of the kids' family. So, it has all of the kids' activities, it has all the meetings of activities, it has all the meetings of activities, it has all the meetings of the the the of each of the the parents on there. It of each of the the parents on there. It of each of the the parents on there. It has, you know, where are they supposed has, you know, where are they supposed has, you know, where are they supposed to be, who's going to be driving, what to be, who's going to be driving, what to be, who's going to be driving, what time they get picked up. All of those time they get picked up. All of those time they get picked up. All of those things are all in this one Skylight that things are all in this one Skylight that things are all in this one Skylight that begins to run the family. It is the begins to run the family. It is the begins to run the family. It is the thing that is in charge, and everyone is thing that is in charge, and everyone is thing that is in charge, and everyone is responsible for following those. I wish responsible for following those. I wish responsible for following those. I wish I'd had one when we were raising kids.

I'd had one when we were raising kids. I'd had one when we were raising kids. I mean, we had five daughters, and it I mean, we had five daughters, and it I mean, we had five daughters, and it was mayhem. I mean, we were trying to was mayhem. I mean, we were trying to was mayhem. I mean, we were trying to get everybody where they're supposed to get everybody where they're supposed to get everybody where they're supposed to be, and we'd get neighbors to help and be, and we'd get neighbors to help and be, and we'd get neighbors to help and and friends. And our our philosophy was, and friends. And our our philosophy was, and friends. And our our philosophy was, if we can keep them busy enough, they'll if we can keep them busy enough, they'll if we can keep them busy enough, they'll stay out of trouble. And uh so, we would stay out of trouble. And uh so, we would stay out of trouble. And uh so, we would cram as much into their lives that we cram as much into their lives that we cram as much into their lives that we invented the term the hurried child. And invented the term the hurried child. And invented the term the hurried child. And then we decided, "Hey, we only live once then we decided, "Hey, we only live once then we decided, "Hey, we only live once ourselves, so let's see how many of our ourselves, so let's see how many of our ourselves, so let's see how many of our activities we can put into life." And we activities we can put into life." And we activities we can put into life." And we cram as much of that into our lives. And cram as much of that into our lives. And cram as much of that into our lives. And so, pretty soon, we realize we're just so, pretty soon, we realize we're just so, pretty soon, we realize we're just really not running our life. Our life is really not running our life. Our life is really not running our life. Our life is running us. running us. running us. And we it sometimes we become slaves to And we it sometimes we become slaves to And we it sometimes we become slaves to those schedules. those schedules. those schedules. So, how do we break out of this? So, how do we break out of this? So, how do we break out of this? This slavery. This slavery. This slavery. Well, here's the thing. God Well, here's the thing. God Well, here's the thing. God um institutes a rhythm in scripture. um institutes a rhythm in scripture. um institutes a rhythm in scripture. Six days you will work, one day you will Six days you will work, one day you will Six days you will work, one day you will rest. rest. rest. That's the rhythm. That's the rhythm. That's the rhythm. I want you to know it's not "Hey, work I want you to know it's not "Hey, work I want you to know it's not "Hey, work doesn't matter." No, no, you work and doesn't matter." No, no, you work and doesn't matter." No, no, you work and you'll work six days. Work matters.

you'll work six days. Work matters. you'll work six days. Work matters. But one day you're going to rest. But one day you're going to rest. But one day you're going to rest. Now, here here here's the interesting Now, here here here's the interesting Now, here here here's the interesting thing. In in the Old Testament, there thing. In in the Old Testament, there thing. In in the Old Testament, there are two versions of the old of the Ten are two versions of the old of the Ten are two versions of the old of the Ten Commandments. Maybe you know that. Commandments. Maybe you know that. Commandments. Maybe you know that. Exodus and Deuteronomy. Exodus and Deuteronomy. Exodus and Deuteronomy. They're very similar. But one of the They're very similar. But one of the They're very similar. But one of the places that they are different is in the places that they are different is in the places that they are different is in the Fourth Commandment about the Sabbath Fourth Commandment about the Sabbath Fourth Commandment about the Sabbath day. And it it's interesting in both day. And it it's interesting in both day. And it it's interesting in both versions, it's the longest of the versions, it's the longest of the versions, it's the longest of the commandments. There's more explanation commandments. There's more explanation commandments. There's more explanation of it there than in in the others. Thou of it there than in in the others. Thou of it there than in in the others. Thou shalt not kill or "Thou shalt not shalt not kill or "Thou shalt not shalt not kill or "Thou shalt not murder." What's that? I don't know, five murder." What's that? I don't know, five murder." What's that? I don't know, five words. But this this is, you know, a words. But this this is, you know, a words. But this this is, you know, a number of verses. number of verses. number of verses. But in in in Exodus, it's this simple. But in in in Exodus, it's this simple. But in in in Exodus, it's this simple. The the you you're not going to work on The the you you're not going to work on The the you you're not going to work on the Sabbath day because the Lord works 6 the Sabbath day because the Lord works 6 the Sabbath day because the Lord works 6 days and he rested the seventh. And so days and he rested the seventh. And so days and he rested the seventh. And so you shall do the same. you shall do the same. you shall do the same. In in Deuteronomy, they add this In in Deuteronomy, they add this In in Deuteronomy, they add this explanation. We heard it in verse 15. explanation. We heard it in verse 15. explanation. We heard it in verse 15. "Remember that you were a slave in the "Remember that you were a slave in the "Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God land of Egypt and the Lord your God land of Egypt and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty brought you out from there with a mighty brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. The Lord set you free the Sabbath day. The Lord set you free the Sabbath day. The Lord set you free from slavery.

from slavery. from slavery. Don't dishonor God by going back there. Don't dishonor God by going back there. Don't dishonor God by going back there. Don't go back to slavery Don't go back to slavery Don't go back to slavery because God set you free." because God set you free." because God set you free." I just think that's such a powerful I just think that's such a powerful I just think that's such a powerful picture. picture. picture. You see this rhythm that God has You see this rhythm that God has You see this rhythm that God has instituted into our lives is for us. instituted into our lives is for us. instituted into our lives is for us. It's a positive thing to set us free. It's a positive thing to set us free. It's a positive thing to set us free. It Look, it's built into life. It's It Look, it's built into life. It's It Look, it's built into life. It's built into nature, right? Before we had built into nature, right? Before we had built into nature, right? Before we had artificial lights, it got dark at night. artificial lights, it got dark at night. artificial lights, it got dark at night. You couldn't do anything. You went to You couldn't do anything. You went to You couldn't do anything. You went to bed. You slept. bed. You slept. bed. You slept. Right? And then when dawn came, you got Right? And then when dawn came, you got Right? And then when dawn came, you got up and you did your work. And then when up and you did your work. And then when up and you did your work. And then when night came, you rested again. night came, you rested again. night came, you rested again. It's built into our bodies. Just just It's built into our bodies. Just just It's built into our bodies. Just just try and go without sleeping for a few try and go without sleeping for a few try and go without sleeping for a few days. days. days. You can't. You can't. You can't. You can't. Your body will just begin to You can't. Your body will just begin to You can't. Your body will just begin to shut down because that's your body is shut down because that's your body is shut down because that's your body is designed to rebuild those cells during a designed to rebuild those cells during a designed to rebuild those cells during a time of rest, during a time of stopping. time of rest, during a time of stopping. time of rest, during a time of stopping. It's just that it's that It's just that it's that It's just that it's that powerful. It's powerful. It's powerful. It's Sid and I were talking about music. And Sid and I were talking about music. And Sid and I were talking about music. And he was commenting that, you know, when he was commenting that, you know, when he was commenting that, you know, when they write music, they write music, they write music, they put little marks in there for the they put little marks in there for the they put little marks in there for the places that you're supposed to stop and places that you're supposed to stop and places that you're supposed to stop and play no notes at all.

play no notes at all. play no notes at all. And what do they call those little And what do they call those little And what do they call those little marks? marks? marks? Rests. Rests. Rests. You got to have a rest. You got to have a rest. You got to have a rest. Right, uh Claude Debussy, the French Right, uh Claude Debussy, the French Right, uh Claude Debussy, the French composer, famously said, "Music is what composer, famously said, "Music is what composer, famously said, "Music is what is between the notes." is between the notes." is between the notes." I love that picture. Right? It's in It's I love that picture. Right? It's in It's I love that picture. Right? It's in It's in the the the the time between the in the the the the time between the in the the the the time between the actual notes. So, we think to ourselves, actual notes. So, we think to ourselves, actual notes. So, we think to ourselves, how do we create those kind of pauses how do we create those kind of pauses how do we create those kind of pauses into our lives? into our lives? into our lives? I I I just um I wanted to point out that I I I just um I wanted to point out that I I I just um I wanted to point out that we're not just talking about we're not just talking about we're not just talking about taking Sundays and coming to church and taking Sundays and coming to church and taking Sundays and coming to church and and then, you know, spending the and then, you know, spending the and then, you know, spending the afternoon in the time of rest and and um afternoon in the time of rest and and um afternoon in the time of rest and and um family time. It Instead, I want you to family time. It Instead, I want you to family time. It Instead, I want you to think in it as a concept. How do I build think in it as a concept. How do I build think in it as a concept. How do I build into my life, in addition to that coming into my life, in addition to that coming into my life, in addition to that coming to church on Sunday and and making it to church on Sunday and and making it to church on Sunday and and making it the Lord's day, the Lord's day, the Lord's day, how do I build into my life these times how do I build into my life these times how do I build into my life these times of stoppage of stoppage of stoppage where I just practice stopping? where I just practice stopping? where I just practice stopping? I think there are two reasons it's I think there are two reasons it's I think there are two reasons it's important. Here's the first one.

important. Here's the first one. important. Here's the first one. Because it demonstrates that we're free Because it demonstrates that we're free Because it demonstrates that we're free to choose. to choose. to choose. We are free to choose how we will live We are free to choose how we will live We are free to choose how we will live our lives. our lives. our lives. We are not to be slaves, but we are we We are not to be slaves, but we are we We are not to be slaves, but we are we are to be free to choose. are to be free to choose. are to be free to choose. One of the the scriptures that I find One of the the scriptures that I find One of the the scriptures that I find most helpful to me is in 1 Corinthians most helpful to me is in 1 Corinthians most helpful to me is in 1 Corinthians 6. I come back to it all the time. Um it 6. I come back to it all the time. Um it 6. I come back to it all the time. Um it it's in the context of a passage about it's in the context of a passage about it's in the context of a passage about sexual immorality and our bodies and um sexual immorality and our bodies and um sexual immorality and our bodies and um taking care of our bodies and all that taking care of our bodies and all that taking care of our bodies and all that sort of thing, but it has a much more sort of thing, but it has a much more sort of thing, but it has a much more significant uh significant uh significant uh purpose. And I call it the twofold test. purpose. And I call it the twofold test. purpose. And I call it the twofold test. The twofold test about is this a good The twofold test about is this a good The twofold test about is this a good thing? Should I be doing this? Here's thing? Should I be doing this? Here's thing? Should I be doing this? Here's the Let me read it to you. Starts this the Let me read it to you. Starts this the Let me read it to you. Starts this way. All things are permitted for me, way. All things are permitted for me, way. All things are permitted for me, meaning, look, it's not like I there are meaning, look, it's not like I there are meaning, look, it's not like I there are rules I shouldn't follow, I should rules I shouldn't follow, I should rules I shouldn't follow, I should follow. All things are permitted for me, follow. All things are permitted for me, follow. All things are permitted for me, but not all things are beneficial. but not all things are beneficial. but not all things are beneficial. Meaning, does this help? Is this a good Meaning, does this help? Is this a good Meaning, does this help? Is this a good thing? Is it making it Is it Is it thing? Is it making it Is it Is it thing? Is it making it Is it Is it making something good happen? Is it a making something good happen? Is it a making something good happen? Is it a beneficial thing?

beneficial thing? beneficial thing? So, that's the first test. Is this So, that's the first test. Is this So, that's the first test. Is this beneficial? But then listen to the beneficial? But then listen to the beneficial? But then listen to the second one. second one. second one. All things are permitted for me, but I All things are permitted for me, but I All things are permitted for me, but I will not be dominated by anything. will not be dominated by anything. will not be dominated by anything. Or sometimes it's translated, I will not Or sometimes it's translated, I will not Or sometimes it's translated, I will not be controlled by anything. be controlled by anything. be controlled by anything. Is there something that's controlling Is there something that's controlling Is there something that's controlling you? you? you? Are you being Are you being forced to do Are you being Are you being forced to do Are you being Are you being forced to do this? Is something controlling you in this? Is something controlling you in this? Is something controlling you in doing this? doing this? doing this? Uh then that's that's not a good place Uh then that's that's not a good place Uh then that's that's not a good place to be. to be. to be. How How do we recognize that we are free How How do we recognize that we are free How How do we recognize that we are free to choose? And what Sabbath does, it to choose? And what Sabbath does, it to choose? And what Sabbath does, it seems counterintuitive cuz it feels like seems counterintuitive cuz it feels like seems counterintuitive cuz it feels like you're forcing this rule on. What you're you're forcing this rule on. What you're you're forcing this rule on. What you're doing is using a structure doing is using a structure doing is using a structure structural habit to structural habit to structural habit to to allow yourself to step free of of to allow yourself to step free of of to allow yourself to step free of of this this this whirlwind, this treadmill that we're on. whirlwind, this treadmill that we're on. whirlwind, this treadmill that we're on. Right? I've Right? I've Right? I've I think I've told you before that my I think I've told you before that my I think I've told you before that my daughter Cali played soccer in as a daughter Cali played soccer in as a daughter Cali played soccer in as a child and all through high school into child and all through high school into child and all through high school into college. She was a good soccer player.

college. She was a good soccer player. college. She was a good soccer player. And And And so when she was like eight or nine or so when she was like eight or nine or so when she was like eight or nine or something, she was the goalkeeper of her something, she was the goalkeeper of her something, she was the goalkeeper of her soccer team. And her soccer team was one soccer team. And her soccer team was one soccer team. And her soccer team was one of those competitive teams where you pay of those competitive teams where you pay of those competitive teams where you pay the trainer, you pay the manager, the trainer, you pay the manager, the trainer, you pay the manager, you know, you spend a billion dollars you know, you spend a billion dollars you know, you spend a billion dollars for your kid to play for your kid to play for your kid to play to have fun. to have fun. to have fun. And And And so she was the goalkeeper for the team, so she was the goalkeeper for the team, so she was the goalkeeper for the team, which is an important role. And so we which is an important role. And so we which is an important role. And so we got a got a got a you know, an announcement from the you know, an announcement from the you know, an announcement from the manager of the team who spoke with a manager of the team who spoke with a manager of the team who spoke with a funny accent. And he funny accent. And he funny accent. And he cuz he was a a great soccer coach. And cuz he was a a great soccer coach. And cuz he was a a great soccer coach. And he said, "Hey, we've signed up for he said, "Hey, we've signed up for he said, "Hey, we've signed up for another tournament. We expect you all to another tournament. We expect you all to another tournament. We expect you all to be there. Here's the time you go. Here's be there. Here's the time you go. Here's be there. Here's the time you go. Here's the time we'll pick you up. Please be the time we'll pick you up. Please be the time we'll pick you up. Please be there. there. there. It was Easter weekend. It was Easter weekend. It was Easter weekend. They'd signed us up for Easter weekend. They'd signed us up for Easter weekend. They'd signed us up for Easter weekend. So, D and I talked, and I said, "Well, I So, D and I talked, and I said, "Well, I So, D and I talked, and I said, "Well, I you know, you can go and take her to the you know, you can go and take her to the you know, you can go and take her to the thing. I'll go do Easter at our at the thing. I'll go do Easter at our at the thing. I'll go do Easter at our at the church." And church." And church." And and she said, "No. and she said, "No. and she said, "No. We're not going to do that. We're not going to do that. We're not going to do that. We are not going to go for a tournament We are not going to go for a tournament We are not going to go for a tournament on Easter."

on Easter." on Easter." And so, I went and talked to the And so, I went and talked to the And so, I went and talked to the manager, who was really unhappy, uh cuz manager, who was really unhappy, uh cuz manager, who was really unhappy, uh cuz she was the goalkeeper. And he said, she was the goalkeeper. And he said, she was the goalkeeper. And he said, "Well, she's not going to be able to be "Well, she's not going to be able to be "Well, she's not going to be able to be on the team then. You you know, you'd on the team then. You you know, you'd on the team then. You you know, you'd made a a commitment that you were going made a a commitment that you were going made a a commitment that you were going to go where we went, and now you're to go where we went, and now you're to go where we went, and now you're backing out, and I just she can't be on backing out, and I just she can't be on backing out, and I just she can't be on the team." And I said, "I I'm sorry. the team." And I said, "I I'm sorry. the team." And I said, "I I'm sorry. We're just we we're not going to do it." We're just we we're not going to do it." We're just we we're not going to do it." And uh so, he huffed off, and um the And uh so, he huffed off, and um the And uh so, he huffed off, and um the good news was other people heard about good news was other people heard about good news was other people heard about it, and pretty much all the other it, and pretty much all the other it, and pretty much all the other parents go, "Well, we're not going parents go, "Well, we're not going parents go, "Well, we're not going either." And uh so, we didn't we didn't either." And uh so, we didn't we didn't either." And uh so, we didn't we didn't go, and she didn't get kicked off the go, and she didn't get kicked off the go, and she didn't get kicked off the team or anything like that. But, it it team or anything like that. But, it it team or anything like that. But, it it it it's the sense of saying, "No, I'm it it's the sense of saying, "No, I'm it it's the sense of saying, "No, I'm going to I'm I'm I'm in charge here. I going to I'm I'm I'm in charge here. I going to I'm I'm I'm in charge here. I am not going to be controlled. It's a am not going to be controlled. It's a am not going to be controlled. It's a way of sort of thumbing the your nose at way of sort of thumbing the your nose at way of sort of thumbing the your nose at the world." the world." the world." And saying, "Look, I I I am not going to And saying, "Look, I I I am not going to And saying, "Look, I I I am not going to be dominated by what all the neighbors be dominated by what all the neighbors be dominated by what all the neighbors are doing, what everybody says we ought are doing, what everybody says we ought are doing, what everybody says we ought to do. I I'm I'm going to choose how I'm to do. I I'm I'm going to choose how I'm to do. I I'm I'm going to choose how I'm going to live my life. So, I'm going to going to live my life. So, I'm going to going to live my life. So, I'm going to stop." stop." stop." All right, here's the second reason I All right, here's the second reason I All right, here's the second reason I think it's so important.

think it's so important. think it's so important. Because it demonstrates that we're free Because it demonstrates that we're free Because it demonstrates that we're free to trust. to trust. to trust. We're free to trust God. We're free to trust God. We're free to trust God. That Well, listen listen to again our That Well, listen listen to again our That Well, listen listen to again our New Testament passage. New Testament passage. New Testament passage. "Come to me, all you who are weary and "Come to me, all you who are weary and "Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, carrying heavy burdens, carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. and I will give you rest. and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I'm gentle and humble in heart, and for I'm gentle and humble in heart, and for I'm gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. you will find rest for your souls. you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is For my yoke is easy and my burden is For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." light." light." Here's what he's saying. Here's what he's saying. Here's what he's saying. Yoke yourself to me. Now, a yoke had two Yoke yourself to me. Now, a yoke had two Yoke yourself to me. Now, a yoke had two parts. You put two oxen on it parts. You put two oxen on it parts. You put two oxen on it and they would pull together. and they would pull together. and they would pull together. He's saying, "If you yoke yourself to He's saying, "If you yoke yourself to He's saying, "If you yoke yourself to me, me, me, I'm going to pull you along. I'm going I'm going to pull you along. I'm going I'm going to pull you along. I'm going to do all the heavy work. to do all the heavy work. to do all the heavy work. Your your burden is light. Your your burden is light. Your your burden is light. You You find rest. You You find rest. You You find rest. I'm going to push along. I'm going to I'm going to push along. I'm going to I'm going to push along. I'm going to make it happen. You just walk alongside make it happen. You just walk alongside make it happen. You just walk alongside me. me. me. And you can do your part, And you can do your part, And you can do your part, but I'm the one who's going to make this but I'm the one who's going to make this but I'm the one who's going to make this happen.

happen. happen. You can trust me. You can trust me. You can trust me. We get in our minds this idea that if I We get in our minds this idea that if I We get in our minds this idea that if I don't do it, it's not going to happen don't do it, it's not going to happen don't do it, it's not going to happen and it's up to me. And this is a very and it's up to me. And this is a very and it's up to me. And this is a very responsible thought. We It's a good responsible thought. We It's a good responsible thought. We It's a good thing to think, "I need to be do my thing to think, "I need to be do my thing to think, "I need to be do my part. I need to show up. I need to take part. I need to show up. I need to take part. I need to show up. I need to take my responsibility seriously." All of my responsibility seriously." All of my responsibility seriously." All of those things. But we get it We begin to those things. But we get it We begin to those things. But we get it We begin to believe that the whole world that there believe that the whole world that there believe that the whole world that there just can't get by without us. just can't get by without us. just can't get by without us. That God without me, God just couldn't That God without me, God just couldn't That God without me, God just couldn't get it done. What an arrogant view What an arrogant view to think that we are that important. to think that we are that important. to think that we are that important. When I was When I was When I was the pastor of a church that I had the pastor of a church that I had the pastor of a church that I had planted at Bay Harbor, I really believed planted at Bay Harbor, I really believed planted at Bay Harbor, I really believed I was really important. I was really important. I was really important. That, you know what, God had given me That, you know what, God had given me That, you know what, God had given me this incredible opportunity to plant a this incredible opportunity to plant a this incredible opportunity to plant a new church that was going to be new church that was going to be new church that was going to be different, that was going to be special, different, that was going to be special, different, that was going to be special, they were going to do it right, all that they were going to do it right, all that they were going to do it right, all that baloney. And I I just thought, you know, baloney. And I I just thought, you know, baloney. And I I just thought, you know, it was this this burden on my heart. And it was this this burden on my heart. And it was this this burden on my heart. And And one day, And one day, And one day, um um um my wife looked at me. This was the days my wife looked at me. This was the days my wife looked at me. This was the days before our cell phones and I had my before our cell phones and I had my before our cell phones and I had my pager on my pajamas.

pager on my pajamas. pager on my pajamas. And she said, "You have your pager on And she said, "You have your pager on And she said, "You have your pager on your pajamas." your pajamas." your pajamas." And I I said, "Yes." And she said, "Tom, And I I said, "Yes." And she said, "Tom, And I I said, "Yes." And she said, "Tom, you are not that important." You just aren't. I mean, I I hate to be You just aren't. I mean, I I hate to be your wife to be the one to tell you your wife to be the one to tell you your wife to be the one to tell you that. I guess that's her job, but just that. I guess that's her job, but just that. I guess that's her job, but just you're not. you're not. you're not. Right? It It's going to Right? It It's going to Right? It It's going to God's going to do what God's going to do God's going to do what God's going to do God's going to do what God's going to do without you. without you. without you. I I had a conversation with a friend I I had a conversation with a friend I I had a conversation with a friend very recently and he's been retired for very recently and he's been retired for very recently and he's been retired for about two or three years and he said about two or three years and he said about two or three years and he said that one of the revelations he had, he that one of the revelations he had, he that one of the revelations he had, he said, "I thought when I I left my job said, "I thought when I I left my job said, "I thought when I I left my job that the place that that the place that that the place that that I'd been working would kind of you that I'd been working would kind of you that I'd been working would kind of you know, it wouldn't fall apart, but it know, it wouldn't fall apart, but it know, it wouldn't fall apart, but it would [snorts] flounder a little bit." would [snorts] flounder a little bit." would [snorts] flounder a little bit." And he said, And he said, And he said, "They didn't miss a beat. "They didn't miss a beat. "They didn't miss a beat. They just moved right on. I mean, it They just moved right on. I mean, it They just moved right on. I mean, it just kept happening and I realized that just kept happening and I realized that just kept happening and I realized that you know what? I you know what? I you know what? I I just was not that important. I just was not that important. I just was not that important. I was doing my part."

I was doing my part." I was doing my part." He said, "That's really it it can be a He said, "That's really it it can be a He said, "That's really it it can be a humbling thing, but what how liberating humbling thing, but what how liberating humbling thing, but what how liberating is that? is that? is that? To realize that you don't have to you To realize that you don't have to you To realize that you don't have to you are not in charge of the world. are not in charge of the world. are not in charge of the world. You You do your little piece and trust You You do your little piece and trust You You do your little piece and trust God to make the rest of it happen. God to make the rest of it happen. God to make the rest of it happen. That's what Sabbath is about. That's what Sabbath is about. That's what Sabbath is about. I can stop for a day or an hour I can stop for a day or an hour I can stop for a day or an hour and you know what? God's going to get it and you know what? God's going to get it and you know what? God's going to get it done during that time without me. The done during that time without me. The done during that time without me. The sun's going to come up. The sun's going sun's going to come up. The sun's going sun's going to come up. The sun's going to go down. to go down. to go down. Life will be okay. Life will be okay. Life will be okay. All right, very quickly, I want to give All right, very quickly, I want to give All right, very quickly, I want to give you some ideas. Here are some five Here you some ideas. Here are some five Here you some ideas. Here are some five Here are five quick ideas that you can are five quick ideas that you can are five quick ideas that you can consider. You I hope the fun part will consider. You I hope the fun part will consider. You I hope the fun part will be you coming up with your own, but here be you coming up with your own, but here be you coming up with your own, but here are some. are some. are some. Uh the first way to to force some Uh the first way to to force some Uh the first way to to force some Sabbath on your life is put your phone Sabbath on your life is put your phone Sabbath on your life is put your phone on top of your dresser when you get home on top of your dresser when you get home on top of your dresser when you get home and don't look at it until morning. and don't look at it until morning. and don't look at it until morning. Or sometime in the evening put it up Or sometime in the evening put it up Or sometime in the evening put it up there and just ignore it. I dare you. there and just ignore it. I dare you. there and just ignore it. I dare you. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I dare you. >> I dare you. >> I dare you. You're going to go, "Yeah, that's a good You're going to go, "Yeah, that's a good You're going to go, "Yeah, that's a good idea." And you're not going to do it, idea." And you're not going to do it, idea." And you're not going to do it, but try it. You might like it. You'll but try it. You might like it. You'll but try it. You might like it. You'll see. Here's the second possibility.

see. Here's the second possibility. see. Here's the second possibility. Um Um Um set some boundaries. If you work, uh if set some boundaries. If you work, uh if set some boundaries. If you work, uh if you have a job, you work from home, if you have a job, you work from home, if you have a job, you work from home, if you work where you are, set a time. you work where you are, set a time. you work where you are, set a time. Here's when I go home. I go home at Here's when I go home. I go home at Here's when I go home. I go home at 6:00. That's the deal. I come at 8:00, I 6:00. That's the deal. I come at 8:00, I 6:00. That's the deal. I come at 8:00, I work till 6:00. That's a good good long work till 6:00. That's a good good long work till 6:00. That's a good good long work day, but I'm going home at 6:00. work day, but I'm going home at 6:00. work day, but I'm going home at 6:00. And if it's not done, it'll be here And if it's not done, it'll be here And if it's not done, it'll be here tomorrow. And you know, God will will tomorrow. And you know, God will will tomorrow. And you know, God will will it's going to be okay. it's going to be okay. it's going to be okay. If we can put that into our lives, build If we can put that into our lives, build If we can put that into our lives, build those those boundaries that help us those those boundaries that help us those those boundaries that help us understand understand understand we've got our part to do, but you know we've got our part to do, but you know we've got our part to do, but you know what? I can stop. what? I can stop. what? I can stop. Here's another one. Do you have a Here's another one. Do you have a Here's another one. Do you have a bedtime? bedtime? bedtime? I want to really encourage you to get a I want to really encourage you to get a I want to really encourage you to get a bedtime. bedtime. bedtime. That says I'm going to go to bed at, you That says I'm going to go to bed at, you That says I'm going to go to bed at, you know, so I used to have a personal know, so I used to have a personal know, so I used to have a personal trainer and he would harass me about how trainer and he would harass me about how trainer and he would harass me about how how long I slept. And he would say you how long I slept. And he would say you how long I slept. And he would say you got to sleep 7 hours. He said you got to sleep 7 hours. He said you got to sleep 7 hours. He said you shouldn't there's no point even coming shouldn't there's no point even coming shouldn't there's no point even coming in here and working out if you're not in here and working out if you're not in here and working out if you're not sleeping 7 hours. I was like, "Mhm." And sleeping 7 hours. I was like, "Mhm." And sleeping 7 hours. I was like, "Mhm." And he'd send me all these articles about he'd send me all these articles about he'd send me all these articles about sleep and about how I was sleeping about sleep and about how I was sleeping about sleep and about how I was sleeping about at that time about 5 and 1/2 hours and at that time about 5 and 1/2 hours and at that time about 5 and 1/2 hours and he'd say, "You're taking years off your he'd say, "You're taking years off your he'd say, "You're taking years off your life."

life." life." And uh And uh And uh it's so he said you when you go to bed, it's so he said you when you go to bed, it's so he said you when you go to bed, you set your alarm for 7 hours from the you set your alarm for 7 hours from the you set your alarm for 7 hours from the time you put your head on the pillow. time you put your head on the pillow. time you put your head on the pillow. And then and I would do that and I've And then and I would do that and I've And then and I would do that and I've done that. Problem is I wake up at 5:00 done that. Problem is I wake up at 5:00 done that. Problem is I wake up at 5:00 no matter what. So but nonetheless, the no matter what. So but nonetheless, the no matter what. So but nonetheless, the idea is you got to have that sleep. idea is you got to have that sleep. idea is you got to have that sleep. Here's another one. Here's another one. Here's another one. Set aside some worship time for yourself Set aside some worship time for yourself Set aside some worship time for yourself during the middle of the day. during the middle of the day. during the middle of the day. Take 10 minutes and set it aside. Put it Take 10 minutes and set it aside. Put it Take 10 minutes and set it aside. Put it on your calendar, whatever you need to on your calendar, whatever you need to on your calendar, whatever you need to do to say I'm going to stop for 10 do to say I'm going to stop for 10 do to say I'm going to stop for 10 minutes. I go to the chapel here, chapel minutes. I go to the chapel here, chapel minutes. I go to the chapel here, chapel over here, and it's a beautiful place. over here, and it's a beautiful place. over here, and it's a beautiful place. Find yourself a place to go. Sit in a Find yourself a place to go. Sit in a Find yourself a place to go. Sit in a different room. Go outside. I don't different room. Go outside. I don't different room. Go outside. I don't know. But um listen to some Christian know. But um listen to some Christian know. But um listen to some Christian music. Spend some time in prayer. Stop. music. Spend some time in prayer. Stop. music. Spend some time in prayer. Stop. Life can you can stop long enough to Life can you can stop long enough to Life can you can stop long enough to pray for 10 minutes. Here's another one. Practice breath Here's another one. Practice breath prayers. Take a little time during the prayers. Take a little time during the prayers. Take a little time during the day and when you find yourself getting day and when you find yourself getting day and when you find yourself getting overwhelmed, say, overwhelmed, say, overwhelmed, say, "I'm going to pray and I'm going to pray "I'm going to pray and I'm going to pray "I'm going to pray and I'm going to pray as I breathe in and breathe out." as I breathe in and breathe out." as I breathe in and breathe out." I I like to use scripture as I do it.

I I like to use scripture as I do it. I I like to use scripture as I do it. The Lord is my shepherd. Or you can maybe if you've memorized the Or you can maybe if you've memorized the Lord's Prayer, you can do the Lord's Lord's Prayer, you can do the Lord's Lord's Prayer, you can do the Lord's Prayer that way. One phrase in, Prayer that way. One phrase in, Prayer that way. One phrase in, a phrase out. a phrase out. a phrase out. It's just a way to sort of stop and not It's just a way to sort of stop and not It's just a way to sort of stop and not be drawn along. You can come up with be drawn along. You can come up with be drawn along. You can come up with some others. Friends, um you can get off the treadmill. you can get off the treadmill. You've been given that that opportunity. You've been given that that opportunity. You've been given that that opportunity. God's given you a rhythm, a structure God's given you a rhythm, a structure God's given you a rhythm, a structure that you can use, that you can build to that you can use, that you can build to that you can use, that you can build to say, "You know what? say, "You know what? say, "You know what? I'm free and I'm going to stay free. I'm I'm free and I'm going to stay free. I'm I'm free and I'm going to stay free. I'm not going to go back there." Let's pray together. Let's pray together. Gracious God, um Gracious God, um Gracious God, um tired. The world just runs fast and we tired. The world just runs fast and we tired. The world just runs fast and we want to be a part of the world and we want to be a part of the world and we want to be a part of the world and we want to experience so many things and want to experience so many things and want to experience so many things and enjoy all of our lives and and make a enjoy all of our lives and and make a enjoy all of our lives and and make a difference and do the right thing and difference and do the right thing and difference and do the right thing and all of that just takes us over all of that just takes us over all of that just takes us over sometimes, God, and you have given us sometimes, God, and you have given us sometimes, God, and you have given us this rhythm that we can claim as ours.

this rhythm that we can claim as ours. this rhythm that we can claim as ours. So, give us the courage, God, So, give us the courage, God, So, give us the courage, God, to be reminded that we are free and we to be reminded that we are free and we to be reminded that we are free and we will not go back to slavery again. will not go back to slavery again. will not go back to slavery again. We pray in the name of Christ. We pray in the name of Christ. We pray in the name of Christ. Amen.