The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Part one: The Problem
Something is Deeply Wrong (1|2)
Pages 45-52
TOGETHER read the book (END READING AT: …hurry is a threat not only to our emotional health but to our spiritual lives as well.)
then the following scriptures slowly and attentively, meditate on some of the antidotes or treatments to “hurry sickness”. Pay attention to what happens in your spirit, your mind, and your body as you not just read but digest the Word of God as you read together INDIVIDUALLY take notes in your journal on what stands out.
Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV) The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:4 (NIV) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Proverbs 3:5-8 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
John 14:27 (NIV) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
GROUP DISCUSSION:
Share just one or two things that stood out to you while reading the book and/or scripture. (try to keep it brief)
TOGETHER pray for one another.
INDIVIDUALLY answer the questions in your journal - process your notes and pray.
Psychologists and mental health professionals are now talking about an epidemic of the modern world: “hurry sickness.” As in, they label it a disease.
What is your reaction to that statement?
How seriously should we be taking this sickness?
What is the remedy or cure? Is it curable or just treatable?
If Jesus came to heal the sick does that include “hurry sickness”?
Feeling a little more peaceful after meditating on those scriptures? Good, because now we launch into a harsh reality of self-inventorying the ten symptoms of “hurry sickness”. Spoiler alert - to some degree it’s likely all ten. Read each symptom’s description and after each one pause. Think about the degree to which it is true for you. Then take a deep cleansing breath in and hold it for a second and as you exhale thank God for his mercy and grace and let the peace of Jesus wash over you.
Desmond Tutu once wisely said, “There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” What he meant by this is that everything in life that seems daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible can be accomplished by taking on just a little at a time. It is clear that we need to take “hurry sickness” seriously but a drastic life change in each of the ten symptoms simultaneously is not realistic/sustainable.
Pause and pray - Ask God which symptom you should focus on to start to make healthy changes. Ask the holy spirit for wisdom (James 1:5) for practical (achievable) bites you can take and journal about it.
EXTRA READING:
“You can look at a slum or peasant village, but it is only by entering into the world - by spending time in it - that you begin to understand what it is like to be powerless, to be like Christ.”
- Penny Lernoux (1940 - 1989)