The Hurried Soul: Why I’m Wrestling With Hurry in a Hustle Culture

As I’ve been reading and preparing for Strength & Courage Coaching’s (SCC) The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Virtual Book Study I’ve been pondering a few questions around the concept of hurry and our need to slow down.

In week one of our book study, we’ll be talking about the hurried soul. Dallas Willard warned, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.” He goes on to stress that we must ruthlessly eliminate it. But how? And why?

As I’ve been chewing on this thought, I pulled out the dictionary to review the meaning of hurry. Webster connects hurry with words like hustle and speed. I don’t know about you, but every time I think of speed and hustle, I think of exhaustion. And exhaustion, for sure, does not bring out the best in me.

I asked myself, “If I engage in the wrestle with hurry, what might the outcome be?” The answer was simple: I think I’ll be kinder. I think I’ll love better.

As I continued exploring the word hurry, it led me to other related words like eager and haste. And then I landed on another byproduct of hurry—impatience. Ah yes, impatience. The exact opposite of love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.—1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Do you want to have a greater impact on your family, your workplace, and your relationships? One way might be to wrestle with our culture’s language that urges us to hustle just a little harder.

As you wrestle, you might ask:

• What might life look like if I slowed down?

• What might I feel or see that I’ve been oblivious to?

• How might I be more present for those around me?

If this sounds like you, I’d love for you to join The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Virtual Book Study.

What to Expect

We currently have nearly 20 people signed up from all over the world! Our virtual study meets every other Tuesday beginning February 3 at 7:00 p.m. CT.

Our first session will kick off with introductions, followed by participant reflections on their own wrestle with hurry in a hustle-driven culture. We’ll also touch on insights from Chapter 1. Sessions may include videos or podcast clips from the author, John Mark Comer, along with breakout rooms for smaller discussions and deeper connection. View the reading schedule.

I'm not much of a reader, can I still participate?

Yes! While you'll get the most out of this book by reading it, you can still sit in and listen to the conversations. I recommend you pick up the audio book. It's really a great listen. Purchase the audio or hard copy on Amazon.

Still not sure? Check out this video by the author, John Mark Comer. If it resonates, feel free to register to attend or pass on this blog to someone who might be interested.

I hope to see you on Feb 3!

This book study is in partnership with Jill Monaco Ministry, nonprofit passionate about encouraging people to pursue the presence of God and find freedom in Christ.