The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Part two: The Solution
Hint: the Solution isn’t More Time (2|2)
Pages 69-74
TOGETHER read the book and then the following scriptures slowly and attentively.
INDIVIDUALLY take notes in your journal on what stands out.
READ, MEDITATE, MEMORIZE, and REPEAT:
Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 118:24 (NIV) The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
GROUP DISCUSSION:
Life is a series of choices. Every yes is a thousand nos. Every activity we give our time to is a thousand other activities we can’t give our time to. Since the invasion of social media and shared calendars, the world has seen an astronomical increase in FOMO (fear of missing out) to the point that it can cause crippling anxiety. It rips us away from being present in a moment because it reminds us that while we are currently in an activity there are other activities we are “missing out” on. We cheat or rob ourselves of the gift of the present. We know it’s stupid but we still do it.
The Hebrew word for “be still” literally means to “cease” or “cease striving”. It means to push the pause button and forsake everything else in our lives to focus on Him. To be present means to first and foremost ask God to be present in our lives and to focus on His presence.
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.
Limitations aren’t something to fight but to gratefully accept as a signpost to God’s call on our souls.
What is your reaction to that statement?
Look at what you journaled the previous day when you invited the Holy Spirit to show you the truth about your limitations.
Is there an invitation in there? Perhaps a challenge? If you feel it would help pause and pray and ask the Holy Spirit again to reveal how and where you can be grateful for those limitations.
Every day is a chance. Every hour has an opportunity. Every moment is a precious gift.
What is your reaction to that statement?
How will you spend yours?
Will you squander them on trivial things - or invest them in the eternal kind of life?
Read Luke 12:15 (slowly and attentively) and focus on how we should guard against longing for things we do not have or developing an insatiable desire for more: Luke 12:15 (NIV) “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
We can have a lust for, a greedy hunger for, or a hoarding of “our” time. It’s all an illusion. God is the Alpha and the Omega - He created the day and the night - why do we think we can have any power or control of time?! Why do we have FOMO? Why do we feel/think we have “wasted time” or it is “slipping by” or we fear “running out” of time?
Stop. Take a breath. Be still.
BE STILL
BE
Get into a comfortable position and remove distractions. Close your eyes and focus on Jesus for as long as your attention allows. BE STILL. When it wanders (and it will) bring your attention back to Jesus. BE STILL. Do this as long as it takes to slow down your brain BE STILL.
EXTRA READING:
“My faith teaches me to pardon my enemies and all who have offended me. I do gladly pardon the emperor and all who have sought my death. I beg them to seek and be Christians themselves.”
- Paul Miki, a martyr of Japan (1562 - 1597)