The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

1. Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day

Hurry is not of the devil; hurry is the devil.

The perils of hurry. In today's fast-paced world, hurry has become a chronic condition, affecting our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It disconnects us from God, others, and even our own souls. The constant state of rush and busyness leads to:

• Irritability and hypersensitivity
• Restlessness and inability to relax
• Workaholism and emotional numbness
• Out-of-order priorities and lack of self-care
• Escapist behaviors and slippage of spiritual disciplines

The root of the problem. Hurry is often symptomatic of deeper issues, such as:

• Running away from unresolved emotional pain
• Seeking fulfillment in accomplishments or possessions
• Fear of missing out or falling behind
• Addiction to stimulation and constant activity

To combat hurry, we must recognize it as a threat to our spiritual lives and take intentional steps to slow down and simplify.

2. The solution to an overbusy life is not more time, but simplification

You have all sorts of sharp, secular thinkers like Greg McKeown and Joshua Fields Millburn writing about essentialism and minimalism, which is great. I eat those books up.

Embracing limitations. The key to a fulfilling life is not having more time, but learning to live within our God-given limitations. We are made in the image of God, with great potential, but we are also made from dust, with inherent limitations. Accepting these limitations is crucial for spiritual growth and emotional health.

Simplifying our lives. To combat overbusyness, we need to:

• Identify our top priorities and align our schedules with them
• Eliminate unnecessary commitments and possessions
• Learn to say "no" to good things to make room for the best things
• Focus on quality over quantity in our activities and relationships

By simplifying our lives, we create space for what truly matters: our relationship with God, meaningful connections with others, and personal growth.

3. Jesus modeled an unhurried life focused on what matters most

Jesus was rarely in a hurry.

Jesus' unhurried lifestyle. Despite having a world-changing mission, Jesus never rushed. He demonstrated a life of:

• Regular times of solitude and prayer
• Sabbath observance and rest
• Presence and attentiveness to people and situations
• Clarity about his priorities and willingness to say "no"

Applying Jesus' model. To follow Jesus' example, we can:

• Start our days with quiet time and prayer
• Practice regular Sabbath rest
• Be fully present in our interactions with others
• Clarify our priorities and align our schedules accordingly
• Resist the pressure to constantly produce or achieve

By adopting Jesus' unhurried lifestyle, we can experience the "easy yoke" he promises, finding rest for our souls amidst life's demands.

4. Silence and solitude are essential practices for spiritual health

Silence is engagement; isolation is escape.

The power of silence and solitude. These practices create space for:

• Connecting deeply with God
• Self-reflection and emotional processing
• Hearing God's voice and discerning His will
• Recharging and renewing our spirits

Practical steps. To incorporate silence and solitude into our lives:

• Schedule regular times for quiet reflection
• Create a designated quiet space in your home
• Practice "media fasts" to reduce noise and distraction
• Start with small increments and gradually increase duration
• Use this time for prayer, meditation, and simply being present with God

By prioritizing silence and solitude, we cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and a stronger foundation for our spiritual lives.

5. Sabbath is a gift for rest, worship, and resistance against hurry

People who keep sabbath live all seven days differently.

The purpose of Sabbath. This weekly practice is designed to:

• Provide physical, mental, and emotional rest
• Create space for worship and connection with God
• Resist the cultural pressure of constant productivity
• Cultivate gratitude and contentment

Practicing Sabbath. To implement a meaningful Sabbath:

• Set aside a full 24-hour period each week
• Cease from work and productivity-focused activities
• Engage in restful and worshipful activities
• Spend quality time with family and friends
• Limit technology use and embrace simplicity
• Focus on being rather than doing

Sabbath-keeping reorients our lives around God's rhythms, helping us resist hurry and find true rest for our souls.

6. Simplicity frees us from the burden of excess and materialism

What if less is better?

The problem with materialism. Our culture's obsession with accumulation and consumption leads to:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Distraction from what truly matters
• Environmental and social harm
• A false sense of security and identity

Embracing simplicity. To cultivate a simpler lifestyle:

• Declutter your physical space
• Practice contentment with what you have
• Delay purchases and avoid impulse buying
• Choose quality over quantity
• Share resources with others
• Give generously to those in need
• Focus on experiences rather than possessions

By simplifying our lives, we create space for deeper relationships, spiritual growth, and a greater sense of freedom and purpose.

7. Slowing down is a deliberate practice to combat the culture of speed

Slow down your body, slow down your life.

The importance of slowing. Deliberately slowing our pace helps us:

• Become more present and aware
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve decision-making and creativity
• Deepen relationships and empathy
• Cultivate patience and contentment

Practical ways to slow down:

• Drive the speed limit and choose the slow lane
• Walk slower and savor your surroundings
• Eat meals slowly and mindfully
• Single-task instead of multitasking
• Take regular breaks throughout the day
• Practice mindfulness and meditation
• Limit technology use and embrace periods of boredom

By intentionally slowing down, we resist the cultural pressure to rush and create space for a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

8. Abiding in the present moment is the key to a fulfilling life

Every now is an eternity if it is full of God.

The power of presence. Living fully in the present moment allows us to:

• Experience God's presence more deeply
• Find joy and gratitude in ordinary experiences
• Reduce anxiety about the future and regret about the past
• Engage more authentically with others
• Cultivate a sense of peace and contentment

Practicing presence. To become more present:

• Use your senses to ground yourself in the moment
• Practice mindfulness throughout the day
• Limit distractions, especially from technology
• Focus on one task or person at a time
• Cultivate gratitude for the present moment
• Regularly pause to take deep breaths and center yourself

By learning to abide in the present, we open ourselves to the fullness of life that God offers, finding peace and joy in each moment.

Last updated: August 14, 2024