Thursday, April 8, 2010

A Hasty Heart





Do you ever find yourself running from one task to the next?

Are you constantly telling your children to 'hurry up'?

Do you find yourself motivated to check off everything on your to do list at the expense of yourself and others?

Do you get easily angered with those around you such as your husband or children because they are not moving as fast as you'd like?

(Yes, I'm guilty too!)

"God's not impressed with hastiness. He says in Proverbs, "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want" (21:5). And, "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him" (29:20). And once more, "He that hasteth with his feet sinneth" (19:20)

We live in a fast-paced world. If you don't want to lose what you have, if you don't want to be a fool, and if you don't want to live in sin, it's important to learn the difference between haste and speed.

You'll know when you are being hasty if you stop for a moment and check yourself with a few questions: Do you sense a tension in your stomach? Are you trying to accomplish more than time allows? Are you in such a hurry that you are making foolish mistakes?...If these are your experiences, you can be sure that your actions will not lead to abundance. Instead, you'll make foolish decisions and miss a peaceful walk with God.

Hasty people miss God because God is never in a hurry. He doesn't change His pace to walk with people. He requires people to change their pace to walk with Him. A man rushing through life, running over everything and everyone that gets in his way, will not hear the voice of God. His hurried efforts create too much chaos for him to enjoy God's presence."

-Bob Shultz, Created for Work

Our hastiness will drive out the love in the work we were called to do in Titus 2--loving our husbands and loving our children. This is not what the Lord intended for us---we must discipline ourselves to slow down, enjoying the moments with our precious family and not taking time with them for granted. The to-do list will always be around, even after they are gone. This does not mean that we are to be lazy or sluggish in our work , the Lord does not advocate that either and clearly defines such foolishness as sin. It is good to be diligent workers but not exchanging what is meant to be best for less. We are to not have a hasty heart, because at the root of this hasty heart we will only find sin---pride, selfishness, putting ourselves first, etc. which will develop into more sin---anger, resentment, bitterness and so forth.

So, ladies, let us discipline ourselves today to slow down and have a still heart that hears God's voice and not missing the blessing He pours upon our homes and lives.

36 comments:

Julie Harward said...

I so agree with you. I love this new back ground too! I used to be so busy, with 8 kids, but life is quieter now...except they are all coming home for a visit today...it may get a bit noisy! Come say hi :D

Amy said...

wonderful post, great reminders. I need to be still before the Lord more. Blessings to you!!

Miranda Hupp said...

This is very timely for me. These things have been on my mind a lot lately. I have four children. My oldest has cerebral palsy. She requires a lot from me. So I feel like some days I am so busy just doing the things that need to be done.

Thank you for always being so encouraging.

Shelly said...

What a great reminder for me to slow down and be still before the Lord. Lately I have noticed that I am being impatient with my children and not really listening to their needs or stories because my mind is rushing from one thing to another. My facial expressions and tone of voice haven't been loving but instead have been looks of irritation and a voice that is hasty and biting. Hmmm... great reminder, thank you for sharing this.

Kelly Cook said...

I'm always trying to find that balance-what to let go, what to press on thru and do, how to just take a break and really relax instead of combining rest with work! I recently decided to give each day a focus where that's where I focus my energy. There's still the daily stuff like meals and dishes, but so far I'm finding that I'm getting things done AND having time to relax.
I needed to read this today, I started getting up with an alarm again and have been irritable ever since. Maybe it's time to trash the alram??

Leah said...

Excellent - SO vital for us to remember, thank you!

christschild said...

Love this post...thank you for reminding me of this. You're right...it's very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this world. Sometimes we get so busy trying to run through life, that we forget to live life...the life that God has called us to live. I want to do better...thank you:)
Blessings,
Elizabeth

Barbara said...

This is a wonderful post, and so much needed for us to speak up and tell others how to slow down and take time to be holy, God is holy and if we are to worship him we too much be holy, we cannot be when always in a hurry, I have learned to stop and smell the roses, it is a hard lesson to learn some times, but well worth it.
Hugs Barbara stopped by from
http://bakinnbitsbarbara.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this! Hastiness is one of my great faults. I take my time to do good quality work, but then rush through time with family... something I definitely need to work on!
Blessings,
Kate

Jolene said...

I just recently subscribed to your posts...

Thanks for this very timely, much-needed post! I found myself reading and re-reading the Scripture verses you included... so convicting! Thank you!

Candice said...

I love this! God is teaching me this very thing, so it's wonderful to see these thoughts so well-put on the subject.

Chantel said...

whoa! do I ever fall short in this regard. I do find myself hurrying my children and getting irritable when tasks are not completed as expected or in the time allowed. this pulled right at me, thank you for your words of reflection and admonishment. They were so on time.

Anna said...

I needed to hear this today. Thank you.

Nicki O'Donovan said...

This is just what I needed!! It was bulls eye! Thank you!

Jennifer Perkins said...

This is a good reminder, thank you!

Jennifer

(I found your blog blog-hopping, and I am enjoying your writings!)

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

You are so right! I did a post on this awhile back about my tendency to rush, rush, rush! I stress everyone out by doing this. This is not being patient or kind towards my family.

God bless!

Linda said...

Hi,
I have visited your blog today and I love this!
A great reminder and one I needed to hear today! I look forward to following you.
Please drop my blog when you have time.
Have a blessed weekend!

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

I LOVE this post. I just posted on childhood wonder -- something you never see unless you slow down, go out into God's creation, and take a breath!

Come on over for some mom inspiration and encouragement.

Pamela said...

I just found your blog ( or should I say was guided to) and it is something I really need!
It's very beautiful and fulfilling I've become a follower.
Thank you
Pamela xo

Linnie said...

I've recently found your blog and read many of your archives. I'm from South Africa. You're truly encouraging me in my walk of becoming a Godly woman and mother.
Thank you so much for this posting! I need to hear it, in this season where my family and responsibilities are growing. I often have difficulty in finding a balance between giving time and love and serving my family!
Have a blessed weekend.

Heather Coyle said...

Thank you for that important reminder!

highheeledlife said...

What a great post! We need to remember to take time and enjoy the simple things - like a walk in the forest or park. For its the simple things that really give us pleasure. God has created such a beautiful world - yet we sometimes are in such a hurry (to really go nowhere) that we miss it all.

Debbie T said...

Sooo good and so true. Thank you for reminding me of God's truth for my life.

Carrie said...

Loved this and needed this so much today! posted about it on my blog!
Thanks so much! I am challenged often by you.

None said...

What wonderful encouragement. It's something I really needed to hear, despite the fact that my husband and I don't have children (yet!) ... it's a great reminder to be quietly calm before the Lord.

Blessings,
Luci
http://atranquilheart.blogspot.com

Musings From A French Cottage said...

Thank you for this post. It really spoke directly to me and was something that I needed to read today. Thank you for your encouraging words of wisdom!

God Bless,
Kathleen

Having It All said...

This is my #1 downfall in dealing with my little ones - hastiness. I have recently recognized this in myself. Your post was such an encouraging reminder! Thank you!

Sheri said...

I needed to hear this today. Amen sister!

Raquel N. said...

I agree with you 1000%.

I take this into great consideration... I am one who needs to slow down.

Living in NYC does not help but I can make a difference if I slow down.

Blessings,
Rachel

From the Old InkWell said...

June, what wise words! From the comments, I can see I'm not the only one who needed this. So glad I found your blog!

Schultz Style said...

I just started reading your blog, and I have to say I think you might be talking right to me sometimes! I am guilty of this, and to the expense of my family so thank you for posting this. I look forward to more from you!

Michelle said...

So glad to have found your site! Very beautiful, inspiring and convicting.

God bless your writing and calling as a wife and mother!

Michelle said...

I just wanted to let you know that I "gossiped" about you over at my blog!

So glad to have found you!

Have a blessed week!

Anonymous said...

Great article. It makes me calm just reading it. http://ristyd.blogspot.com/

kathy said...

Could you please tell me where I can buy the art prints here on your site. Thank you so much. Kathy

Whole Eating for a Whole Me said...

This spoke volumes to me. I needed to read this.

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