Lately, I’ve been hearing the same message in podcasts, songs and other random outlets: Walk slow. Go at God’s pace.

So, what does that mean for me? I’m a competitor at heart, and that often means I’m comparing where I am in life to where others are. I can too easily gauge my success or value on how I stack up against others. And that’s a dangerous game, as it can edge me closer to judgment on one end and self-abasement on the other.

When I hear the words, “Go at God’s pace”, it reminds me I don’t need to be competing with others to reach certain milestones or stages of my life. I’m right where God wants me to be. I should be walking deliberately, following God’s voice.

Today, one of my devotionals spoke on Psalm 23. It can be so easy to barrel through that passage because of its familiarity. But it’s so profound when you stop to carefully read through it.

The Lord is my Shepherd, so I won’t lack for anything. He’ll provide what I need when I need it. I don’t have to scramble around to fend for myself. I don’t need to obsess about what I think I need to thrive, to succeed, to grow.

He leads me along right paths — for His name’s sake. When we follow the direction and plan God has for us, He will use us to bring glory to His name.

A sheep doesn’t rush along its own path (if it does, it’s often lost or moving away from the Shepherd). It deliberately follows after the Shepherd’s voice. With each step, it listens for that voice to guide and direct its next step.

I want to do the same.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.