Slowing Down: Discovering the Why Behind Our HurrySample

So far in this reading plan, we have considered how fear, pride, and progress, all in their own unique way, contribute to fanning the flame of hurry.

Today, we will examine one final trap with the potential to ignite the presence of hurry in our daily lives: Purpose.

Scripture repeatedly calls you and I, as followers of Jesus, to lean into our unique mission to advance His Kingdom here on earth. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." And Galatians 6:10 says, "So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith."

In response to these verses, perhaps you have uttered your own version of the prayers below.

"Oh God, please show me your will for my life."

"In this season of life, Lord Jesus, what is your plan for me? What steps are you asking me to take in order to advance your Kingdom here on earth?"

"Lord, I surrender to you. I will go where you lead. I will do what you have called me to do. Just please make your path forward clear to me."

However, in our zeal and enthusiasm to live out our God-given purpose, we often fall into the trap of saying yes to opportunities God never intended for us to step into. Why? Because we mistakenly associate busyness for God's Kingdom with obedience to our God-given purpose. And where busyness is found, hurry is not far off.

So what can we do to avoid the trap of overcommitment, which, more often than not, leads to hurry? Here are two checkpoints to consider before saying yes to any new opportunity.

First, look at your calendar and answer this question, "where will the time required to be faithful to this potential opportunity come from?" As you prayerfully consider this new opportunity, plug into your calendar the estimated time (making sure to overestimate) you think it will take to be fully present to the people and tasks connected to saying yes to this ask. And finally, take time to think through what your yes to this new endeavor will mean to the current commitments already on your calendar.

Second, in addition to the time required for any new opportunity, consider the physical, emotional, and spiritual stamina necessary to be faithful to your yes long after the initial rush of excitement has worn off. You and I are not robots. As we move throughout any given week, our energy levels ebb and flow. In order to remain fully present to our God-given purpose, we need to build in additional margin to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

With this in mind, carve out time over the next few days to take an inventory of your current commitments. For each commitment, prayerfully consider what it would look like moving forward to be fully present to the people and the tasks on your calendar.

If you enjoyed this reading plan, check out my weekly devotional, focused on helping busy Christians like you and me become more like Jesus. Sign-up here.