Your life has an ebb and flow. Sometimes God wants you to move quickly, but sometimes he wants you to slow down. As Proverbs 14:29 says, “It’s smart to be patient” (CEV).
Today and tomorrow we’re going to look together at times when God wants you to slow down.
First, you should always move slowly when you don’t have all the facts. Our culture worships impulsiveness and spontaneity. It tells us that spur-of-the-moment, “gut” decisions are the right ones.
You’ve probably heard repeatedly to “follow your heart.” But the Bible tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).
Feelings often lead us in the wrong direction. You need to rely on truth outside of yourself.
The Bible is clear about that: “What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!” (Proverbs 18:13 TLB).
So when you don’t yet have all the facts, slow down. Don’t rely on your gut, your heart, or your feelings. Take the time to look for objective truth outside of yourself.
Another time to move slowly is when you’re hurt, angry, or depressed. When we’re upset, we tend to react and retaliate rather than acting wisely.
James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (NIV).
Do you see the rhythm in that verse? It says quick, slow, slow. If you’re quick to listen and slow to speak, you’ll automatically be slow to become angry. But if you’re slow to listen and quick to speak, you’ll be quick to become angry.
Proverbs 14:29 says, “Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes” (CEB).
Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking” (NLT). In other words, godly people put their minds in gear before their mouths.
Proverbs 15:18 tells you what to do instead: “Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments” (CEV).
Sometimes you’re going to feel angry, hurt, or depressed. That’s just part of life. But the next time that happens, slow down. Proverbs 15:18 says, “Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments” (CEV).
Don’t make quick decisions that you’re going to regret.
And the same is true when you don’t have all the facts. Instead of just “following your heart,” take the time to slow down and make a careful decision.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Build a Firm Foundation of Prayer in the Next Generation!
“Perhaps the most important role you can play in the life of a child is teaching them to trust God through prayer. It’s the key to living with hope.” —Pastor Rick
That’s why it’s so important to strengthen the hope of kids by introducing them to Jesus’ model for prayer at an early age. And we’re excited to help you do that with Pastor Rick’s children’s book, The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness.
Filled with thoughtful insights from Pastor Rick as well as stunning illustrations from award-winning artist, Richard Jesse Watson, this book brings the poetic scripture from the King James Version alive for readers young and old. It’s sure to become a meaningful bedtime ritual, a treasured memory, and by God’s grace, a legacy that bears good fruit for generations to come.
This book is a perfect way to share the beauty and richness of The Lord’s Prayer with the children the Lord has placed in your life. And it’s our thanks for your gift below to help Daily Hope take the Good News to more people everywhere. So please request a copy for yourself or a friend today, and thanks for your generosity!
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