Viktor Nikitin
Paced by Grace. Finding Life in Following God’s Lead.

Life today has undeniably accelerated to a pace that often feels overwhelming, even to those who aren’t actively measuring their days or schedules. This speeding up of life is noticeable from the very first moment of waking. When a person opens their eyes in the morning, instead of greeting the new day with calm or hope, they often experience an immediate surge of pressure and urgency. It feels as if the day has already begun without them, as if time is slipping away too fast and they are already behind before they have even gotten out of bed. This sense that there is too much to do and too little time to do it weighs heavily on the mind, creating an almost instinctive anxiety about all that must be accomplished. It is not simply the practical reality of having many tasks to complete, but an internal, emotional state that demands speed, efficiency, and constant motion.

Throughout the day, this urgency colors every action. It pushes people to multitask, to plan and re-plan their hours in a frantic attempt to keep up. There is often little room for moments of stillness, for reflection, or for truly being present. Instead, the rhythm of life becomes one of constant hustle – moving from one thing to the next without pause, driven by the fear of falling behind or missing something important. The internal dialogue is usually something like, “I must hurry, or I will never finish,” or “There’s no time to rest now; I have to keep going.” This relentless pressure creates a tension that shapes not only how time is spent, but how a person feels throughout the day: anxious, scattered, and fatigued.

When evening comes and it is finally time to rest, the tension has not disappeared. Instead, it often transforms into a heavy feeling of failure or incompleteness. Instead of feeling relief, many people go to bed carrying the burden of everything left undone. The mind replays the

tasks, commitments, and goals that were not fully met, creating a restless inner state. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep or experiencing restful sleep, as the anxiety over unfinished duties keeps the mind alert and unsettled. Night after night, this cycle repeats, slowly eroding the person’s peace of mind, their health, and their sense of well-being. Rather than waking up refreshed, ready to face a new day, they awaken tired, already burdened by the fear of repeating the exhausting cycle.

This experience – waking up overwhelmed and going to sleep with regrets – is not merely a personal struggle; it reflects a broader cultural reality. Modern society often glorifies speed, productivity, and measurable achievement. We live in an age where being busy is seen as a sign of success, and where value is often placed on how much we can accomplish rather than on the quality or meaning of what we do. The rapid flow of information, endless notifications, and the constant demand to be “on” create a sense that we must always be moving faster, doing more, and never stopping. This cultural tempo can alienate us from the deeper, more natural rhythms of life, including the spiritual rhythms that call for rest, reflection, and trust.

Within the Christian spiritual tradition, there is a timeless invitation to the opposite approach – a call to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This verse is a profound reminder that peace and true understanding come not through speed and self-reliance, but through stillness and trust in God’s sovereign timing. It challenges the modern mindset of rushing ahead on our own and invites us to pause, slow down, and listen. When we run faster than God leads, we risk not only physical exhaustion but spiritual disorientation. The feeling of unfinished duty or constant unrest may be a warning sign that we are carrying burdens not intended for us, or

that we are forcing our own will instead of surrendering to divine guidance.

This relentless pace of life reveals a deep spiritual tension – a struggle between our natural impulse to control and hurry, and the invitation to trust in God’s timing. The temptation to rely solely on our own speed, strength, and understanding is ever-present. Yet, when we make space to slow down, to be still, and to listen for God’s voice, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. Life, rather than being a constant race against the clock, can become a journey marked by faith and trust. Each moment can be embraced fully rather than merely endured, and our actions can align with a purpose greater than ourselves.

In this light, the experience of waking up with urgency and going to bed with regret is more than just a sign of poor time management or the natural busyness of modern life. It points to a soul that is running ahead of God’s leading, attempting to navigate life without divine guidance. The invitation before us is profound: to learn patience in a world obsessed with haste, to cultivate stillness amidst the noise, and to trust that when we follow God’s pace, the demands of life will find their proper place and true meaning. In doing so, we discover that true rest and peace are not found in the hurry, but in the harmony between our pace and God’s timing. This is the key to breaking the exhausting cycle of rushing and regret, and to living a life that is both productive and deeply fulfilling.

* * *

The rapid pace of life that characterizes the modern world is not just an external phenomenon; it gradually invades the very core of our being, transforming into a profound internal condition that affects how we think,

feel, and experience every moment. What begins as the pressure to move quickly through daily tasks soon evolves into a mental and emotional state marked by fragmentation, tension, and an overwhelming sense of urgency. The external busyness becomes internal chaos, where the mind flits from one thought to another with little rest, and the heart beats under the relentless weight of stress. In this state, even the simplest task feels like a crisis demanding immediate attention, as if any delay might lead to disaster or failure.

This internal restlessness is more than just a passing discomfort – it colors the entire experience of life. Thoughts scatter like leaves caught in a storm, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything deeply or meaningfully. Instead of calm concentration, there is mental noise, distraction, and a constant pull in many directions. The heart, too, is caught in this turbulence. It lives in a state of heightened alertness, driven by anxiety, fear, and unresolved tension. This continuous pressure on the emotional and spiritual self leads to exhaustion, a weariness that goes far beyond physical fatigue. It seeps into every part of a person’s being, making rest elusive and peace almost unattainable.

When small tasks feel urgent and critical, this is a symptom of the distorted priorities created by this inner turmoil. Normally manageable responsibilities balloon into crises, demanding immediate and complete attention. The sense of urgency is so pervasive that it clouds judgment, pushing the person to respond impulsively rather than thoughtfully. This relentless urgency overrides the natural rhythm of life, replacing it with a frenetic scramble to keep up, no matter the cost. However, this ceaseless movement rarely yields meaningful results. Instead of genuine progress or accomplishment, the constant busyness brings only exhaustion and emptiness. The soul grows tired not

only because of the physical demands but because of the emotional and spiritual strain of living in perpetual hurry and tension.

This condition is not new; it resonates deeply with the ancient wisdom found in the Book of Job. Job’s words that life is “short-lived and full of trouble” (Job 14:1) capture the human experience of restlessness and suffering across ages. Yet, Job’s “trouble” encompasses more than external misfortunes or hardships. It speaks directly to the inner chaos of the mind and heart – the scattered desires, the restless thoughts, and the heavy burden of trying to control all aspects of life at once. This inner turmoil can feel like an invisible prison, one that traps people even when outward appearances suggest success or control.

The troubles Job speaks of include disordered desires – wants and cravings that pull a person in many conflicting directions, preventing rest or satisfaction. Alongside these desires are incessant mental cycles where worries, plans, regrets, and fears swirl endlessly. This mental activity is draining, often more exhausting than physical labor, and leaves the person feeling depleted despite constant activity. Added to this burden is the often unconscious attempt to carry the weight of the world on one’s shoulders – to manage, control, and fix everything without pause or help. This immense pressure becomes a source of strain rather than strength, deepening the sense of overwhelm and despair.

From the outside, many people appear busy, competent, and in control, but inside, they may be struggling with profound anxiety, disconnection, and spiritual emptiness. This internal chaos is often hidden, masked by a facade of productivity and achievement. The pressure to do everything perfectly, to juggle all responsibilities, and to meet every expectation can feel

like a crushing load, sapping joy and peace. It is a spiritual sickness as much as a practical problem, one that erodes the foundation of a healthy, balanced life.

Understanding and acknowledging this state is the crucial first step toward healing. Recognizing that the frantic pace, scattered thoughts, and constant inner tension are not simply “normal” parts of life, but symptoms of a deeper spiritual and emotional malaise, opens the door to change. This awareness allows us to step back from the relentless rush, to pause and ask what truly requires our energy and attention – and what we can safely release. There is a profound invitation here to realign our hearts and minds, to find a rhythm of life not dictated by external demands but rooted in a deeper source of strength and peace.

In the Christian spiritual tradition, this invitation takes the form of a call to stillness, surrender, and trust. It challenges the modern obsession with speed, control, and self-reliance, offering instead the possibility of a life lived in harmony with God’s timing and care. When we heed this call and slow down, the internal chaos can begin to settle. The scattered thoughts quiet, the anxious heart finds rest, and a peace emerges that surpasses mere absence of activity – a peace rooted in alignment with divine order and purpose.

This journey out of internal chaos is not simply about managing time or improving productivity; it is a profound spiritual transformation. It requires learning patience in a culture that prizes haste, cultivating stillness in a world full of noise, and trusting a loving God who carries our burdens and directs our steps. True strength is discovered not in how much we can do, but in how deeply we can rest in God’s care and timing.

Only through this process can we break free from the exhausting cycle of urgency, scattered desires, and restless thoughts. We find a life marked by genuine peace, purpose, and fulfillment – a life where each moment is lived fully and meaningfully, not as a frantic rush but as a deliberate walk in step with God’s lead. This is the healing and hope offered to anyone caught in the turmoil of modern life – a reminder that rest and restoration are possible, not through human effort alone, but through the grace and timing of God.

* * *

Job’s reflections on the human journey, especially his acknowledgment of fatigue as an inevitable part of life, carry timeless wisdom that resonates profoundly in today’s context. The ancient words speak directly to the experience of every person who has walked the path of struggle and weariness. Job understood that fatigue is not a sign of personal failure or weakness but rather a natural and essential aspect of human existence. It is a universal condition that touches everyone, regardless of status, strength, or faith. Fatigue marks the limits of our physical bodies, the boundaries of our emotional endurance, and the edges of our spiritual resilience. More than just a bodily sensation, it is a message – an urgent call to recognize our humanity, to slow down, to pause, and to seek restoration.

This understanding sees fatigue not as an enemy but as a vital part of life’s rhythm. It is meant to be temporary, like a wave that passes over us, reminding us that we are finite beings. When we honor this rhythm, we allow ourselves time to recover, reflect, and renew our strength so that we can continue our journey with wisdom and balance. In this way, fatigue can serve as a teacher, guiding us toward healthier living and deeper self-awareness. It

tells us that rest is not optional but necessary, that even the most industrious must step back and breathe.

Yet, in the context of modern life, this natural rhythm of rest and renewal has been profoundly disrupted. What should be a passing phase or a gentle nudge toward self- care has morphed into a chronic condition for countless individuals. Rather than experiencing fatigue as a temporary visitor, many people now live under its heavy and unyielding weight. Exhaustion has become a default mode of existence – a persistent companion rather than an occasional visitor. The signs of this transformation are everywhere: sleep-deprived faces, burnout statistics, rising rates of anxiety and depression, and a pervasive culture that celebrates “busy” as a badge of honor.

The reasons for this shift are complex and multifaceted. Our society places immense value on productivity, speed, and constant achievement. We are surrounded by messages – whether in the workplace, media, or social circles – that push us to do more, be more, and never slow down. The rise of digital technology, with its nonstop notifications and demands for attention, has blurred the lines between work and rest, day and night. This creates an environment where true rest is hard to find and even harder to sustain. The pace of life accelerates continuously, leaving little room for the soul to catch up.

This relentless pressure to perform and produce often leads people to ignore the signals their bodies and spirits send. Instead of heeding the need for rest, many push themselves harder, believing that if they just keep going, they can stay ahead of exhaustion or prove their worth through sheer effort. But this approach is unsustainable. Over time, the body wears down, emotions fray, and spiritual vitality dims. Chronic exhaustion affects not only

physical health but also emotional resilience and spiritual connection. It dulls joy, diminishes creativity, and impairs relationships. The very things that bring meaning and fulfillment become harder to experience when one is perpetually depleted.

In this way, living with constant fatigue is more than just a lifestyle issue; it is a spiritual crisis. It reflects a disconnection from the natural and divine rhythms that sustain life. Job’s ancient words remind us that weariness is a natural part of the human experience, but they also implicitly warn against allowing it to become permanent. The journey through life includes rest as well as toil, stillness as well as movement. When exhaustion becomes chronic, it signals that something is out of balance – that the sacred rhythms have been disrupted and that healing is needed.

The challenge today, then, is to reclaim fatigue for what it truly is – a messenger and a guide, not a sentence or a condition to be endured indefinitely. This means learning to listen deeply to our bodies, minds, and spirits. It means cultivating the courage to say no to endless demands and to set boundaries that protect our well- being. It means recognizing that our worth is not tied to how much we can do but to who we are as created beings with limits and needs. Reclaiming fatigue requires a radical shift in values – from a culture that idolizes busyness and speed to one that honors rest, reflection, and renewal.

This transformation is not merely practical but profoundly spiritual. It involves learning to trust in a God who cares for us and who invites us to find rest in Him. It means embracing the biblical invitation to “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This rest is not simply physical sleep but

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