Everyone is in a rush. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word “rush” means to move with urgent haste or to dash toward someone or something in an attempt to attack or capture. I feel like this is how the majority of us live our lives. We feel as if we are constantly behind the eight-ball, constantly trying to play catch up, constantly trying to keep up with the pressures we allow society to place on our shoulders.
So, what is the opposite of rush? I checked the dictionary for antonyms of the word rush and it gave me some real doozies. Words like dawdle, dillydally, loiter, creep, and lag. Personally, I don’t like any of these words. They all carry such a negative connotation. So, I decided to make my own word — “unrush.” You have my permission to adapt it into your everyday language.
Unrush means to relax, to realize that God is in control, and to trust that God will keep you in the palm of his hand. God has never been in a hurry; you are the one in a hurry. God’s timeline for your life is not a thirty-minute sitcom, it is a full-length movie marathon. Trying to rush your life will cause you to be stressed, unhappy, disappointed, and anxious. Allowing God to be in control of the timeline of your life gives you the freedom to be happy.
Letting God be in control of your timeline doesn’t mean that you just sit back on your hands and don’t attempt to achieve any goals in life. As Christians, we should have a strong work ethic. How we present ourselves in the workplace should always represent our love for Christ. The Bible has numerous passages on being a good worker. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
Being a diligent and hard worker will bring blessings from the Lord. When we commit our lives to the Lord, he promises to always take care of us. We may not understand some of the things that happen in our lives, but in time, we realize that every twist and turn on the road of life is being used to bring us closer to God. As humans, we can become fearful of what is coming next in our lives, but the Lord assures us he is in control. The phrase “Do not be afraid” can be found 365 times in the Bible. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; so not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
So, unrush yourself! Allow yourself to enjoy your life and see the beauty in every twist and turn. Living your life with full trust in God paints a beautiful picture for the world to see. By living your life with complete trust, it shows people who do not know Christ that there can be a better way. Your life becomes a living, breathing testimony of the promises of God. You may never know who you are leading to Christ by simply living your life with full trust in God.
This week’s recipe is a stick-to-your-ribs, fall classic. It will leave you feeling warm and cozy without feeling heavy. It is a go-to for my busy family, and I’m sure it will become a staple on your family’s menu as well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
April 19, 2024
