Slowing Down in a Fast Paced World

By J. Robin Wood (April 2004)

Our world moves at such a fast pace. In the midst of the changes in technology, politics, and culture, it is a wonderful thing to know that our God does not change. His love and forgiveness are faithful and will last forever. However, as we become accustomed to instant answers from the Internet, we must guard against the growing temptation to demand instant answers from God. We cannot force God to answer to us. If we attempt to do this, we are racing down the highway of pride in the vehicle of selfishness on a futile mission. We will be frustrated, irritated and perhaps even angry, but we will never arrive at our desired destination.

We should be careful to recognize impatience for what it is. Impatience is the result of a selfishness that demands instant gratification. It is the frustration of not getting what we want, when we want it. It is the exaltation of my plans above the plans of others-and even above God. It is the wasted attempt of a sinful heart to control what is not ours to control. It is the result of failing miserably at "playing God."

What a sacrifice of true joy and peace. As we grasp for what we can never have, we miss the deep satisfaction of what is already ours. We have a God who answers our prayers in the best way and in our best interests. God communicates instantly with His children through the gift of the Holy Spirit illuminating His Word to our hearts. His answers come in many different forms and are often missed altogether in our blind rush to get what we want.

God reminds us over and over again in His Word that true joy comes from trusting in His care, believing in His promises, resting in His presence, and waiting for His answers (Psalm 37). He has promised to withhold no good thing from those "who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11). He has told us He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and that He will complete the good work He has begun in our lives (Philippians. 1:6). He will never fail (Zephaniah 3:5).

We must confess the selfishness in our hearts and submit to the authority of God's perfect, loving sovereignty. If we learn these things, we will find the pure joy that comes from knowing God and the peace that comes from obedience. Seeing God's love in every area of our lives becomes so much easier when we take time to slow down in our fast-paced world.

Robin and her husband are serving at Northland Baptist Bible College, Watertown, WI; they have three young children.