“Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”
— Dallas Willard (quoted in The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer)
🔑 Big Idea:
Busyness, when left unchecked, becomes toxic. It erodes your intimacy with God, steals joy, and distorts your priorities. The modern pace of life often leaves no room for presence—either with God or with people. Jesus shows us another way: a pace of unhurried presence, rooted in love, rest, and communion with the Father.
“The great danger is not that we will renounce our faith, but that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it.” – John Mark Comer
✋When Busyness Becomes Toxic
When we are constantly busy and living a hurried life, our busyness shifts from being productive to being destructive.
- We often confuse activity with fruitfulness, believing that merely being busy equates to achieving meaningful results, and hurry with productivity, assuming that the faster we work, the more we accomplish in a given time.
- But hurry crowds out the most important things: silence, prayer, reflection, and love, leaving little space for deep connections and meaningful moments that nourish the soul and enrich our lives.
“If the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy.” – Corrie Ten Boom
In a world that never slows down, where worth is often measured by productivity and busyness is worn like a badge of honor, Jesus offers a radically different invitation: “Walk with Me.” Not run ahead or hurry to catch up, but walk—at His pace, in His rhythm, with His presence. Jesus was never in a rush, yet He accomplished everything the Father gave Him to do. He lived with deep peace, purposeful presence, and an unhurried heart. To walk with Jesus at His pace is to resist the frantic pull of the world and choose a life marked by rest, trust, love, and spiritual depth. It’s not about doing more for God, but being more with Him.
Let’s explore five biblical rhythms that help us eliminate hurry and live deeply connected to God.
1. Slowing Down – Detoxing from Hurry
“God is love” (1 John 4:8).
God is love, and love has a unique speed. Love cannot be hurried; it unfolds naturally and at its own pace, often requiring patience and understanding. Love has a spiritual speed, weaving through the fabric of our lives, guiding us gently towards profound realizations and an unwavering sense of purpose and belonging.
“Love is patient…” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
“How do you spell love? T-I-M-E.” – John Mark Comer
You cannot rush faith; it is a journey that deepens over time as we cultivate trust and connection. It invites us to embrace the journey rather than focus solely on the destination, allowing us to savor each precious moment along the way. Similarly, you can’t rush a deep friendship with God; it flourishes in quiet moments of reflection, prayer, and shared experiences.
Jesus is busy, but He is never in a hurry. You can be busy and still be healthy—but you cannot live in a hurry and love well. Hurry suffocates compassion, empathy, creativity, and intimacy with God. In a world that valorizes speed and instant results, we often find ourselves caught in a relentless race against the clock, sacrificing meaningful relationships and deep spiritual connections in the process. We must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives, making a conscious effort to slow down, to cultivate mindfulness, and to prioritize what truly matters.
“Jesus was busy, but He was never in a hurry.” – John Mark Comer
🔸 Jesus’ Example:
- Jesus was busy with ministry—but He was never in a rush. He moved with purpose, peace, and presence, He stopped to touch lepers, bless children, eat with sinners, and pray in solitude, showing compassion to the marginalized, embracing the outcasts with kindness, and seeking peace in the quiet moments when the world around him felt overwhelming.
“If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus.” – John Mark Comer
✅ Practical Steps:
- Declutter your calendar – Say “no” to hurry so you can say “yes” to Jesus. By prioritizing your time and setting clear boundaries, you allow space for spiritual growth and meaningful connections. Consider evaluating your commitments and cutting out activities that do not align with your values or purpose. This conscious decluttering can help you focus more on your faith and the things that truly matter in your life.
- Create margin in your calendar to allow for unexpected tasks, personal time, and essential breaks to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Do less but trust more – God is Jehovah Jireh, your Provider (Genesis 22:14). In times of uncertainty and fear, remember that He is always watching over you and has a plan for your life. Trusting Him can alleviate your burdens, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
- Make time daily for:
- Bible reading (Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live on bread alone…”)
- Worship & personal prayer (Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I ask…”)
- Spend time drawing closer to God and deepening relationship with those He has placed in your life.
“Love has a speed. It’s slow. It’s patient. It lingers.” – John Mark Comer
2. Solitude – Waiting Time with God
“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” – Psalm 37:7
Solitude is intentionally stepping away from people, noise, and productivity to be alone with God. Solitude is not loneliness—it is sacred withdrawal. It’s the place where your soul detoxes from noise and reconnects with God, allowing you to step back from the chaos of daily life and reflect on your purpose. In this sacred space, we find clarity and peace, away from distractions that often cloud our minds and hearts.
Solitude is intentionally stepping away from people, noise, and productivity to be alone with God.
Solitude is about what we don’t do; it’s a practice of abstinence. It is carrying our own cross to follow Jesus, embracing a time of stillness that nurtures our spiritual growth. Stepping away on purpose from all busyness of life to be alone with God, our source of healing and restoration, helps us regain strength and insight. By immersing ourselves in solitude, we open the door to introspection, enabling us to listen deeply to our innermost thoughts and feelings while cultivating a richer relationship with our Creator. In this quiet communion, we not only rejuvenate our spirits but also strengthen our commitment to live out our faith more authentically.
“In quietness and trust is your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15
In this tranquil space, you can reflect on your thoughts, regain your inner strength, and clarify your purpose. Embracing solitude provides an opportunity for deep contemplation, leading to personal growth and spiritual rejuvenation. Whether it’s the gentle rustle of leaves or the stillness of a quiet room, these moments away from the clamor are vital for nurturing your spirit and fostering a profound connection with the divine.
“Solitude is not isolation; it is communion with God.”
🔸 Biblical Foundation:
- Jesus withdrew to the wilderness to pray and seek solitude after the death of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:13), demonstrating His need for reflection, communion with the Father, and personal recovery during a profound moment of grief and loss
- Jesus demonstrated a consistent practice of withdrawing from His disciples to pray, especially before significant events or decisions, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance and strength. (Luke 5:16)
- Elijah heard God not in the fire or earthquake, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12), emphasizing the profound truth that often, the most significant messages are conveyed in subtlety rather than in overwhelming displays of power or noise.
“Solitude is where we find our identity in God, not in others’ approval or external success.” – John Mark Comer
✅ Practice:
- Take a little time each day to be alone in the quiet with yourself and God, allowing the stillness to wash over you and creating a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and connection with the divine.
3. Silence – Making Space to Hear God
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Silence isn’t about the absence of noise—it’s about creating space for the voice of God. In silence, we train our ears to listen, allowing our hearts to be open and receptive to His guidance. As we intentionally set aside distractions and immerse ourselves in silence, we create an environment conducive to reflection and spiritual growth.
“The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” – Habakkuk 2:20
Silence is a spiritual discipline where God can speak to our lives, creating a sacred space where we can listen intently to His voice. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it becomes essential to carve out moments of stillness, allowing our hearts and minds to quiet down.
In a world addicted to noise and distraction, silence is a cross that we need to carry every day.
Talk less, listen more (James 1:9), for it is in the stillness that we can truly discern His voice, understand our purpose, and find clarity amid life’s chaos. By embracing this practice, we deepen our connection with the divine and cultivate a spirit of patience and humility. Through this practice, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence, reflecting on His guidance, wisdom, and love. In times of silence, we can also explore our inner thoughts and feelings, drawing closer to our true selves, and developing a stronger relationship with the divine.
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
🔸 Why Silence Matters:
- God is not in the chaos—He whispers in the quiet, gently guiding us through the storms of life, reminding us to pause and listen for His voice amid the noise and distraction that surrounds us. (1 Kings 19:12)
- Silence also reveals what’s happening inside of us—fears, anxieties, longings that we often push to the back of our minds in the hustle and bustle of daily life, illuminating profound truths about our inner world that we may not be fully aware of.
“The noise of the modern world makes us deaf to the voice of God.” – John Mark Comer
✅ Practical Challenge:
- Start your morning or end your night with 5 minutes of silence, where you can reflect on your day, breathe deeply, and clear your mind, allowing for a moment of tranquility amidst the busyness of life.
- Once a week, find time to be in silence before God for a longer period, allowing for deep reflection and connection, free from distractions and the noise of everyday life.
- Turn off all devices. Turn off background noise (TV, podcasts, music) and sit quietly in God’s presence.
Let silence become your friend.
4. 🙏 Prayer – Waiting for God
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:4
Wait for God. Don’t get ahead of God; allow Him to work in His timing, for His plans are always perfect and designed for your ultimate good. In doing so, you cultivate a heart of faith, learning to surrender your timeline and to find peace in the process, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything…”
Sometimes we wait because God is changing us; during these moments of reflection and growth, He sees the bigger picture that often eludes our understanding (James 1:3-4). In His divine wisdom, God allows us to face challenges that test our resolve and character, showcasing that patience in hard times not only leads to perseverance but ultimately will make us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:4). This transformative process encourages us to cultivate a steadfast spirit, reminding us that every trial is an opportunity for growth and a stepping stone towards our spiritual maturity.
🔸 The Spiritual Discipline of Waiting:
- Prayer is about aligning with God’s heart, where one seeks to understand His will, draw closer to His presence, and cultivate a spirit of gratitude and humility.
- Waiting is not wasted time—it’s transformation time, providing us with the opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and re-energize our minds for the challenges ahead and the adventures that await, allowing growth and introspection to flourish during those moments of pause.
- Trust God’s timing and perspective (James 1:3–4), as understanding that His plan unfolds in a way that is often beyond our comprehension can provide us with peace and assurance during challenging times.
“Sometimes we wait because God is changing us before He changes our situation.”
✅ Prayer Habits:
- Don’t rush your prayers—linger in the presence of the Lord. Pour out your heart fully and honestly, resting in the assurance of His love and grace (Psalm 62:8).
- Take the time to reflect on His goodness and faithfulness as you bring your concerns before Him.
5. 🛏️ Rest – Trusting God Enough to Stop
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God…” – Hebrews 4:9
Rest is not a reward—it’s a command. Sabbath is God’s way of saying: “I’ve got this. You can stop.” In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, it can be easy to forget the importance of taking a break. The Sabbath serves as a vital reminder that rest is essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Instead of viewing rest as something we earn through hard work, it should be seen as an integral part of our lives that allows us to recharge and reconnect with ourselves and with God. By embracing this command, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of peace and clarity, acknowledging that we do not have to carry our burdens alone. Thus, honoring the Sabbath becomes not just an act of obedience, but a profound step towards holistic health and renewed purpose.
Rest is an act of faith. It reminds us that we are not God—and that we are deeply loved, even when we do nothing. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly striving for productivity and achievement, believing that our worth is tied solely to our actions. However, taking time to rest offers a powerful reminder that our value is inherent and not based on our accomplishments. It invites us to embrace stillness, allowing our minds and bodies to rejuvenate, and teaches us that surrendering to rest can be a profound expression of trust in a greater plan. When we pause, we create space for reflection, connection, and renewal, affirming that in moments of inactivity, we are still cherished and complete.
Rest is an act of worship. It says: “I trust that God is working even when I’m not.” Without rest, we disconnect from joy, creativity, and God’s voice. In our fast-paced world, where busyness often masquerades as productivity, taking time to rest becomes a radical choice that reaffirms our faith and dependence on divine grace. Embracing moments of stillness allows us to recharge our spirits and reconnect with the deeper rhythms of life, fostering a sense of peace that can enhance our daily interactions and inspire newfound creativity. When we prioritize rest, we cultivate a fertile ground for inspiration and creativity to flourish, reminding ourselves that God often speaks in the quiet, whispering truths that guide our paths. By surrendering our need to constantly strive, we open our hearts to receive the fullness of life that God has to offer, asserting that rest is not merely a pause but a sacred invitation to experience His presence more deeply.
🔸 God’s Gift of Sabbath:
- Sabbath is not a legalistic rule but rather a life-giving rhythm that invites individuals to pause from their daily labors, reflect on their lives, and rejuvenate their spirits in a meaningful way.
- It’s one day a week to delight in God, family, nature, and unhurried joy, a precious time set aside to connect deeply with our loved ones, reflect on the beauty of the world around us, and experience moments that nourish our souls and rejuvenate our spirits.
“Sabbath isn’t just a day off—it’s a way of being.” – John Mark Comer
✅ Rest Rhythms:
- Take a full day weekly to unplug from all distractions, delight in nature and personal passions, and worship in whatever way brings you peace and fulfillment, allowing yourself to recharge fully.
- Prioritize sleep – aim for 7+ hours a night as a spiritual discipline, understanding that quality rest not only rejuvenates the body but also nourishes the spirit and enhances overall well-being. Consider establishing a calming bedtime routine to prepare both mind and body for restorative sleep, which can lead to greater clarity, focus, and emotional resilience in your daily life.
- Use rest to reconnect with your soul and reset your priorities, allowing yourself the time and space necessary to reflect on your life’s direction and personal goals.
- Practice restful joy: read, walk, nap, enjoy a hobby.
“Rest is not idleness—it’s trust.”
🌿 Conclusion: Walk with Jesus at His Pace
In a world obsessed with speed, success, and constant motion, Jesus invites us to something far more life-giving—a slower, deeper, more meaningful way of living. He doesn’t rush us. He walks with us. The unforced rhythms of grace are not found in hustle, but in holy rest. To walk with Jesus at His pace is to live with peace in your soul, margin in your life, and love in your relationships. It means trusting that you don’t need to do it all, be everywhere, or prove yourself—because He is enough. So slow down. Breathe. Listen. Trust. And walk with Jesus—not ahead of Him, not behind Him, but in step with His grace-filled pace.
“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” – Matthew 11:29 (MSG)
Jesus invites you to a better way—a slower, fuller, freer life. A life of deep connection with God, peace in your soul, and love for others.
You don’t need to do everything.
You just need to follow Him.
At His pace. In His love.
budi hidajat 