You might be gathering from the readings and reflections that there is a synergy around the themes of slowing down and resting. That is no mistake. When unsubscribing from hurry, the call to slow down, pause, or to “Be Still” is inherent. This call is not made in an effort to cause you or I to miss something. Instead, it is a call that may put us in a position to see more, hear more and experience more. This call is rooted in hope.

The hope we embody as followers of Jesus is not merely being optimistic for a good outcome. It us a deep trust that God holds our best interests at heart. Author Henri Nouwen wrote, “Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes. Optimism is the expectation that things---the weather, human relationship, the economy, the political situation, and so on---will get better. Hope is trust that God will fulfil God’s promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom. The optimist speaks about concrete changes in the future. The person of hope lives in the moment with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands.” In other words, the optimist looks for things to change for the better and when that happens, they will adjust attitude and spirit in the better conditions. The person of Hope adjusts heart and spirit in the present moment because he/she is secure in the expectation of the future.

Undoubtedly, our commitment to hurry has been the source of our fatigue and weariness. Stop for a moment to unsubscribe from hurry. Declare today to be a moment for the Lord to renew your strength in Him. Use this time to retrieve the hope that may have dissipated in our fits of hurry. God is positioned to give you power and strength. He is “the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:28b)