“Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry”
“Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry”
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Reflection on Hurry
For many years, I have been a fan of John Wooden. One remarkable aspect of his leadership and coaching success was his ability to capture a truth in a concise statement. I don’t remember all of them, but one that has stayed with me is, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” When players would rush their shots, he would shout, “Be quick, stop hurrying!” When you hurry, you risk making mistakes and missing the obvious. Efficiency and effectiveness can involve being quick, but they are lost in hurrying. Hurry is the result of impatience. Quickness is the result of practice and proficiency. Much of our busyness is just impatience in action.
In our modern world, busyness is often worn as a badge of honor. Yet, Dallas Willard reminds us that the very pace we celebrate can disconnect us from the quiet, sustaining presence of God. His challenge to “ruthlessly eliminate hurry” is not an invitation to abandon our responsibilities but a call to restore the sacred rhythm of life. When we let haste control our days, we miss opportunities to grow spiritually, reflect deeply, and truly listen to God’s voice.
Understanding Willard’s Challenge
Willard’s words serve as a warning. To “ruthlessly eliminate hurry” means to analyze every part of our lives where urgency takes precedence over mindfulness. It encourages us to ask:
• How am I rushing through my day and missing moments of grace?
• How might my relationships—with God, family, and friends—improve if I gave up the habit of rushing?
• What practical steps can I take to slow down and develop a more attentive spirit?
A Call to a Slower, Spirit-Filled Life
Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray and reflect. Following this example involves creating intentional spaces in our daily routines for silence, solitude, and prayer. When we eliminate hurry, we open room for:
• Deeper Prayer: Less noise allows more space to hear God’s gentle whisper.
• Mindful Relationships: Spending time to slow down helps us remain fully present with others.
• Spiritual Renewal: Taking time to rest and reflect restores our ability to fulfill our calling.
Action Step
This week, choose a specific time—whether it’s an hour in the morning or a quiet moment after dinner—when you will intentionally eliminate all distractions. Use this time to sit quietly before God. If thoughts of urgency arise, gently remind yourself of Psalm 46:10, inviting God’s peace to fill the silence.
Reflection Questions
• Which parts of my daily routine feel rushed, and how can I replace that rush with mindful pauses?
• How does rushing affect my spiritual life and relationships?
• What practical steps can I take to invite God’s presence into my day?
Closing Prayer
Lord, I admit that the pace of life often makes me feel rushed and anxious. Help me to decisively remove the hurry that keeps me from Your loving presence. Give me the discipline to create moments of stillness, where I can listen to and learn from You. May my life reflect a rhythm of grace, purpose, and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Once again your message is spot on. Thank you for reminding me that the pace of my life is not out of my control.
This piece really made me stop and think about the "hurry" in my life and the unsettledness of it especially when I compare the quickness by which I accomplish because my direction and focus is so much clearer and gives more surety for the outcomes. Waiting on God is at times hardest for me and for many but is so necessary for peace and satisfaction. How many things in life would have just worked out so much better had I trusted God instead of hurrying at my own frenetic pace.