“Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” (D. Willard)

Isn’t it strange that with all our modern technology, appliances, vehicles and opportunities for a less stressful and laborious life that very few of us live totally free from the a lifestyle and pressure to hurry through our day.

If hurry becomes our norm it can indeed cause us to miss so much as we keep only to the shallows in our learning, relationships, conversations and thoughts.

Yet, it’s not always about how fast we can go, but how far and how deep”.

It’s too easy to only give thought to how fast we can achieve and get things done, rather than the importance of doing things well; of thinking deeply, of steadfastness, consistency and faithfulness. The world in contrast esteems and loudly cries out for speed and immediate results. We grow to love the quick, instant success stories and can  overlook the strength and wisdom gained in lasting the distance. Of the growth and character we gain as a person by going deeper and further in our relationships, in our revelations and the knowledge of not only going fast in life, but far and deep.

There’s wisdom in God’s admonition to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In other words take ample time in your life to,  “get quiet, to sit and wait, to be steadfast, and to take refuge and rest in God and His love and goodness.

There is nothing wrong with goals, schedules, good time management and feeling accomplished. However we do need to be honest with ourselves and regularly examine our lifestyles and habits. If we are unable to slow down, undertake only one task at a time, enjoy a leisurely meal, just go for a stroll, rather than a power walk, take the time to really listen when people are talking and live in the moment, perhaps we do need to take hurry in hand. Then we will avoid the real consequences and toll that incessant hurrying can take on our spiritual, physical, mental and emotional health

“I will say of the Lord, my refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust”. (Psalm 91:2)

Today, take some much needed time to “be still, and know that He is God”. Ask God to set your pace rather than the world and all the demands on your time. He knows the beginning from the end and everything in between and He promises that He will guide and direct your steps. Cast your load and cares upon him, slow down a little, and let God teach you how to go deeper and further as you eliminate hurry.

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7)

“In quietness and rest you will be made strong.” (Isaiah 30:15 TPT)

Prayer: Lord I give you my schedule and need to hurry and ask that you instead lead and direct my steps. You know everything I need to be doing and what is truly important, so please help me to listen and follow your directions so that I can go deeper and further in my life. In Jesus name amen.