TRLP 069: Superhighways & Ancient Paths - Why Slowing Down Feels So Hard

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We live in a world built for speed—instant answers, constant connection, and endless noise. But what if all that “progress” is quietly costing us something deeper?

In this episode, Paul explores the tension between the fast-paced superhighways we’ve grown used to and the ancient paths God invites us to walk. Through a simple but powerful question—Could you go back to life without your smartphone?—we begin to uncover just how much our habits have shaped us.

Anchored in Jeremiah 6:16, this conversation doesn’t just highlight the beauty of the ancient path—it confronts the reality that most people won’t choose it. But for those who do? There’s a kind of rest waiting that no amount of speed or convenience can ever provide.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Faster isn’t always better
  Just because something is efficient doesn’t mean it’s forming you in the right direction.
• Our habits shape our expectations
  What we’ve grown used to (speed, convenience, distraction) has rewired what feels “normal.”
• Spiritual depth requires a different pace
  Stillness, silence, and waiting aren’t setbacks—they’re pathways.
• Most people won’t choose the ancient path
  Not because they can’t—but because they won’t slow down enough to walk it.
• Rest is promised—but only on that path
  God doesn’t just offer direction… He offers restoration.

📖 Scripture Focus

• Jeremiah 6:16 – The invitation to walk the ancient paths—and the sobering reality that many refuse.

💡 Reflection Questions

• Where in your life have you traded depth for speed?
• What feels hardest about slowing down right now?
• If you’re honest, are you admiring the ancient path… or actually walking it?
• What’s one small step you could take today to choose a slower, more intentional rhythm?

🛠️ Simple Practice (Start Today)

5-Minute Reset

• Put your phone in another room
• Sit quietly with God
• Read a short passage of Scripture
• Don’t rush—just notice His presence

It might feel unfamiliar… but that’s how new (ancient) rhythms begin.

🔁 Share & Subscribe

If this episode challenged or encouraged you, share it with a friend who might be feeling the weight of a fast-paced life. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

🎙️ Closing Thought

The world will keep inviting you to move faster.
God is inviting you to walk deeper.

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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure to read the stuff I'm writing on my blog.

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