Breaking Free from the Bondage of Hurry: Embracing Slowness and Walking with

Are You a Hostage to Hurry?

When was the last time you felt your soul walk? Our minds and bodies are constantly in motion, moving farther and faster than ever before. Yet, the most significant aspects of human life cannot be rushed. Our hearts can be stubbornly slow. Prayer is often slow. Meditation is slow. Growth is slow. Love is slow, sometimes painfully so. From the beginning, our souls were made to walk with God, at his pace.

However, many of us have forgotten how to walk. We have become so accustomed to the fast-paced nature of modern life that we find slowness to be inefficient and impractical, even immoral. We feel guilty for taking the time to walk. In a world where we can commute to work and cover dozens of miles in mere minutes, we may grow restless that we are not accomplishing more during that time. We may feel the urge to check our email, refresh our social media feeds, or listen to a podcast. Some even text and drive, despite the inherent dangers and lack of love in such actions. This is in part because driving, a seemingly productive activity, can't possibly be enough to satisfy our need for constant stimulation and productivity.

Walking in God's Time

But what if we reconsidered our approach? What if we recognized that our souls were designed to walk with God, at his pace? In a world that values speed and instant gratification, walking may seem counterintuitive. Yet, throughout the Bible, we find numerous references to walking with God as a spiritual practice.

Walking with God in the Garden

In the book of Genesis, we read about how God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They enjoyed a close, intimate relationship with God, strolling together in the cool of the day. This picture of walking with God reminds us of the unhurried, leisurely pace at which our souls were meant to operate. It speaks to the importance of slowing down, setting aside time to commune with God, and allowing ourselves to be fully present in his presence.

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul encourages believers to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This call to walk by faith is a reminder that our spiritual journey is not about quick fixes or instant solutions. It is about trusting in God's timing and guidance, even when we can't see the path ahead. Walking by faith requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to surrender our own plans and desires to God's greater purposes.

Breaking Free from the Hurry

If we want to break free from the bondage of hurry and reclaim the art of walking with God, we must be intentional. We must learn to embrace slowness, to savor the moments of stillness and silence. Here are a few practical steps we can take:

1. Set aside dedicated time for prayer and meditation. Create space in your schedule for intentional communion with God. Find a quiet place where you can be alone with him. Use this time to slow down, to listen, and to pour out your heart to him.


2. Practice Sabbath rest. In a world that values constant productivity, carving out time for rest can feel counter-cultural. Yet, God himself modeled the importance of rest when he commanded his people to observe the Sabbath. Take a day each week to rest, to recharge, and to focus on God. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy and draw you closer to him.


3. Limit distractions. Our modern world is filled with distractions that can hinder our ability to walk with God. Take inventory of the things that consume your time and attention, and consider which ones may be hindering your spiritual growth. Set boundaries and create space for God to speak to you.

Walking with God is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. It requires commitment, discipline, and a willingness to slow down. As we learn to walk with God, we discover a depth of intimacy and peace that cannot be found in the hurried pace of the world.

So, are you ready to break free from the bondage of hurry? Are you willing to embrace slowness and walk with God at his pace? It may not always be easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. Take a step today, and begin the journey of a lifetime.