The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Part three: Practices for unhurrying your life
Simplicity (5|5)
Pages 213-217

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Ecclesiastes 1:14-18 (NIV) I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

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WWJD? What Would Jesus Do? A more helpful question is, What would Jesus do if he were me? What would that look like?

Edward Bernays said: Discontentment. That nagging feeling of always wanting more. Not just more stuff, but more life. The next thing might not be a thing at all; it might be graduation or marriage or children or a better job or retirement or whatever “it” is for you on the horizon.

• What is your response to this statement?

• What is your next “it” or “its”?

• How would you respond if God said, “Your next ‘it’ isn’t happening?

• Can you be content if your “it” is a long time from now or never happens?

Pause and pray - ask God what are your “its” that you need to let go of - and what “its” you need to hold tight to. Ask Jesus to give you the strength and obedience to either let go or hold tighter. Journal about that.