The Sin of Hurry
"Hurry is not just a habit; it’s a symptom of spiritual emptiness."
In a world where busyness is celebrated and rest is often seen as weakness, hurry has quietly become acceptable—even commendable. We wear busyness like a badge of honor, as if our packed schedules and relentless pace prove our worth. But the Bible shows us another way. It teaches that hurry isn't just exhausting—it's a sin.
Psalm 46:10 clearly instructs, "Be still, and know that I am God." This isn't a gentle suggestion; it's a command. God is telling us to pause, reflect, and recognize His sovereignty. But hurry fights against this command. It prevents us from being still, from listening, from connecting with God deeply. Instead, we rush through prayer, skip moments of quiet reflection, and miss the whispers of the Holy Spirit.
The Danger of Hurry
Hurry doesn't just rob our peace—it steals our intimacy with God. When we're constantly rushing, our spiritual life becomes superficial. We might go through the motions of prayer or Bible reading, but we rarely pause long enough to truly hear God's voice. Hurry keeps us trapped in a cycle of shallow faith and spiritual emptiness.
Moreover, hurry fosters pride. When we hurry, we're subtly telling God, "I've got this. I don't need your timing; I need mine." Hurry elevates our plans, desires, and timelines above God's sovereign control. It’s a subtle form of idolatry, placing self-reliance above surrender.
Choosing Stillness in a Rushed World
The solution isn't complicated, but it does require intentional choices:
1. Practice Daily Stillness
Set aside at least 10 minutes a day simply to be quiet in God's presence. No agenda, no rushed prayers—just listening and resting in His presence.
2. Prioritize Meaningful Prayer
Instead of hurried prayers, take intentional time each day to speak openly and honestly with God. Listen for His response. Prayer is as much about hearing as it is speaking.
3. Slow Your Pace
Deliberately resist the urge to hurry through your day. Slow your meals, your conversations, your driving. Every deliberate slowing reminds us to keep our hearts attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading.
4. Say "No" to Overcommitment
Learn to say no to even good opportunities when they create chaos in your life. Evaluate commitments based on whether they bring you closer to or further from God.
Embrace the Pace of Grace
Jesus was never hurried. He accomplished more in three years of ministry than we could imagine, yet He never rushed. Jesus knew that intimacy with His Father required stillness and surrender, not frantic activity.
As Steadfast Sons, we are called to reject the world's relentless pace and instead cultivate a life marked by intentional stillness and deep dependence on God.
Let's remember: true spiritual maturity isn't measured by how much we do, but by how deeply we connect with the Father who invites us to be still and truly know Him.
Biblical Response
The Bible clearly instructs us to respond to the temptation of hurry by intentionally slowing down and placing our trust fully in God’s sovereignty. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Similarly, Matthew 11:28-30 invites us to rest in Christ’s gentle leadership: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." God's Word consistently guides us toward restful dependence, reminding us that peace is found not in rushing, but in faithful reliance upon Him.
