“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

I am by no means an expert on Nascar or any other type of racing; however, I have watched and read enough to know about the pace car. Typically, the pace car is the lead car for the first lap of a race to set the pace. Then, the pace car comes out when there is an accident or other safety issue. When the pace car comes out, the other cars are not allowed to pass it. They are required to slow down and use caution. Some drivers take the opportunity for a much needed pit stop during this brief respite from the fast pace of the race. The pace car gives those involved in an accident time to clear the raceway and regroup while reminding the other drivers to take it slow for a bit.

Just like the fast pace of a Nascar race, our lives are fast and furious most of the time. We race around with little or no time to rest – or we don’t take the time to rest. I know I am often guilty of living life too fast. As if life will pass me by if I take a little time for myself or my family. Always wanting to be the one to cross the finish line first – to win. Yet, no one can keep up that pace without a break, a pit stop of sorts. We all need time to relax, rejuvenate, and reenergize. Sometimes we need a reminder to do this – a pace car to slow us down.

In the race of our lives we can be the ones who experience a collision, accident, or some other misfortune that forces us to slow down and regroup. Other times, we see what happens in the lives of others and it reminds us to be more appreciative of what we have and where we are in our life. Then in turn, we take a break and reevaluate what we are doing – and how fast we are living. 

God gives us that reminder. He slows us down – much like the pace car.

All you need to do is let the scriptures be your pace car – your reminder to slow down, proceed with caution, or take that much needed pit stop. When you study and become familiar with a variety of scriptures, they will come to mind just when you need them the most. Gentle reminders of how to live our lives. When to speed up and when to slow down. 

There are several scriptures you can use as reminders to rest and to not grow weary. Here are a few (just in case you need that reminder right now):

• Exodus 33:14 – The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
• Psalm 62:1 – Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.
• Psalm 62:5 – Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from Him.
• Mark 6:31 – Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
• Hebrews 4:10 – For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.
• Jeremiah 31:25 – I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.

Now as you prepare to speed off and start your day, take time to reflect on these scriptures and reevaluate where you are in this race called life. 

It can be a long and grueling race – Pace Yourself!