Ever felt like you’ve set your life to the rhythm of rush? Me too.
Sometimes it takes stepping out of the rush to see things. Recently, I went to the Holy Land. It was a trip I’d longed to take for years. But as the day to leave marched closer and closer, I wished I’d scheduled it later — another time, a time when life didn’t feel so busy.
Exhaustion gnawed deep places in my heart, demanding me to slow down. But how? I’ve made my decisions and now my decisions have made me. Me — this shell of a woman caught in the rush of endless demands.
But the trip was booked, so I went. And I’m forever glad I did. In the Holy Land, busy took a break from chasing me. This trip forced me to “unrush,” and I discovered I like who I am so much better when I’m not set to the wrong rhythm.
I also learned so much about Jesus. His life. His decisions. His lessons.
And do you know what the most impactful lesson was for me, personally? Jesus never rushed. He set His life to the rhythm of connection and compassion. With great intentionality Jesus stayed unrushed. This is what I want.
This is what I was longing for but didn’t know it. Like Jesus, I must unrush my pace for connection and compassion to take place.
As I walked many of the same places Jesus walked, I was struck so profoundly by this. He knew pressure. He knew stress. People pulled at Him everywhere He went. Crowds demanded sermons. Individuals begged for healing. The disciples wanted leadership. Friends wanted time with Him. The religious rulers wanted answers. There was an entire world to save with such limited time.
Yet, He didn’t rush. He talked with the woman at the well. He reached out His hand, making contact, and healed the leper. He felt the touch of the woman with the issue of blood and stopped for her. Do you see it? Connection and compassion were central to every interaction.
And then for those with whom Jesus was the closest? That’s when He was the most unrushed.
This is what I was longing for but didn’t know it. Like Jesus, I must unrush my pace for connection and compassion to take place.
While I was in the Holy Land, I visited the site that’s recorded in Matthew 16:13–20. In the shadow of a pagan temple hustling with unspeakable acts and human sacrifices, Jesus pointed and said, “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” He connected truth with Peter’s calling. He compassionately assured Peter that the church would prevail.
I’m sure Peter recalled this conversation many, many times.
It must have given him the courage to become one of the most pivotal church leaders in history. And he had this conversation to remember, because Jesus wasn’t too busy to have it. The Lord walked three days out of His way to make one point with Peter.
It would seem Jesus was unrushed so He could be incredibly intentional and laser-focused on connection and compassion.
If I were reading this right now, I would probably think, “That’s great you went to the Holy Land and it helped unrush you, but I can’t do that right now.” I understand. So, let this truth from Jesus’ life come to you.
It’s not the location that changed me.
It was the revelation.
Jesus didn’t rush, so neither should I.
Today, let’s end by praying this very simple three-word prayer that we so desperately need: “Lord, unrush me.”
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Lysa TerKeurst is the New York Times best-selling author of The Best Yes, Unglued, and Made to Crave. She is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and writes from her sticky farm table in North Carolina where she lives with her husband, Art, five kids, three dogs, and a mouse that refuses to leave her kitchen. Connect with Lysa at www.LysaTerKeurst.com.
