In a Hurry?
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs 21:5
Recently, while driving on the interstate in morning traffic, I watched a car weave in and out of four lanes of traffic, speeding and driving aggressively. It was scary and unsafe. Was that driver so hurried that he had to put others in danger?
Everyone seems to be in a hurry all the time. We fill our lives with activity, running from one thing to the next, chasing success, status, wealth, pleasing others, and many other things. Our culture idolizes busyness, productivity, and speed. We have a difficult time saying no. We overcommit to avoid missing out.
This rushing through life leads to exhaustion, stress, burnout, and a lack of joy, peace, and meaning. When we focus on doing and not being, our relationships and walk with God are hindered.
One morning recently, I drove Danette to the airport at 5:00 am. It was so early that the traffic lights were not turned on; they were blinking. No other cars were on the streets. Everything seemed so peaceful and quiet with no hustle and bustle. Usually, there are people everywhere going in so many different directions. It was nice.
We fill our calendars in an attempt to make our lives more meaningful, when, in fact, the real way to make this happen is to slow down and focus on what is most important. The Bible invites us to live unhurried, faithful lives, not following the world’s rush. Let’s look at an example of how Jesus lived His life.
Read Mark 5:21–43. Jairus, a synagogue leader, begged Jesus to come quickly and lay hands on his 12-year-old daughter who was dying, so she would get well and live. He was desperate. Urgency was in the air. Jesus agreed to go. But then, as they're walking, a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years touched Jesus’ robe in faith. He stopped everything and refused to be rushed. He listened to the woman’s whole story and told her that her faith had saved her. Jesus received word that Jairus’ daughter had passed away. Jesus calmly exclaims not to be afraid but to believe. He then goes and raises the girl from the dead.
Jesus was never in a hurry. In the Mark 5 passage, the crowds pressed in on Jesus, demanding His attention. He allowed interruptions in His day and moved with purpose, not panic. He never sacrificed people for productivity. And he often withdrew to pray and rest. We can learn much from Jesus.
Life isn’t just about reaching the next goal. It’s about taking time to pause, pay attention, be present, and savor the goodness surrounding us, sometimes in small, unnoticed things. We need rest, mindfulness, and contentment in our lives.
When we slow down, we experience deeper connections, more easily savor the moment, and appreciate the small things in life. Take some time to ‘smell the roses.’
Call to Action
When have you recently felt hurried or rushed? What was driving that urgency?
What might you miss when you are in a hurry?
What can you learn from Jesus’ unhurried life?
What can you clear from your calendar to free up time to spend with family or God or to rest, regroup, and be refreshed?
What spiritual practices (silence and solitude, rest and Sabbath, simplicity, or prayer) could help you resist the pull of hurry?
Digging Deeper
Read John 11:1-44 for another excellent example of how Jesus isn’t driven by urgency but purpose.
Prayer
God, help us not to get caught up in the rush of the world and chase after meaningless things. Help us to slow down and enjoy life and those whom you have placed in our paths.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens
