Hurry Up!

Did you know that there’s actually something called “hurry sickness”?   Let me give you a definition of that.   It’s a restless, compulsive need to always be doing something, always be in motion, always checking off tasks, and always being in control.   Do you know anyone like this?   I do… it’s me!   I end up rushing through life and hurrying from one task to another.   As you can imagine, this state of perpetual busyness can leave little time for God.   And, because I’m perpetually in motion, I have a tendency to miss what God has blessed me with, my trust in Him starts to dwindle, and my peace fades.   But Psalm 46 reminds me that I am to “Be still and know that He is God.”

“Be still and know that He is God.”

This kind of stillness is so much more than just “taking a break”.   It’s actually an opportunity for releasing control and acknowledging God’s sovereignty.   If you’re at all like me, this can feel extremely uncomfortable, but it opens the door for true peace.    Here’s what happens.   When I strive to be in control, I end up carrying burdens that I was never ever meant to.  I push my own timing instead of waiting on God and I can surely be more prone to missing what God is doing in the moment.   Surrendering means that I trust that God is working even when I don’t see immediate results.   This surrender of trusting God’s pace is a really a bold act of faith in a world that is in direct opposition of this.  Believe it or not but slowing down is anything but weakness; it can be worship.  

Slowing down is anything but weakness; it can be worship.  

At this time of year, it feels like "hurry sickness" isn’t just my struggle—it’s everywhere. Everyone seems to be busy, busy, busy, racing from one thing to the next. Yet, the celebration of the Savior’s birth offers us a bold reminder to slow down and embrace God’s perfect timing.

Think about it: generations waited with longing for the coming of the Messiah, trusting in God’s promise even when the wait seemed to go on and on. And consider Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem—a trek that was undoubtedly uncomfortable, slow, and physically exhausting. Their steps weren’t rushed; they moved at the pace that their circumstances allowed, trusting that God’s plan was unfolding right on schedule.

Slowing down connects us to the heart of the Christmas story, and the heart of our Lord.   It helps us shift our focus from frantic activity to quiet reflection on the miracle of Christ’s arrival. God’s plan wasn’t hurried at all, and it certainly wasn’t shaped by human agendas. Instead, it unfolded in His way, at His perfect time.

God’s plan wasn’t hurried at all, and it certainly wasn’t shaped by human agendas.

So, if you find yourself becoming caught up in the busyness of the Season, or life in general, I encourage you to take time to reflect on the sovereignty of God.  Remember that His plans always come about exactly as He has planned.   Exactly when He has planned.   Rest in Him.