ECPA BESTSELLER • A compelling emotional and spiritual case against hurry and in favor of a slower, simpler way of life “As someone all too familiar with ‘hurry sickness,’ I desperately needed this book.”—Scott Harrison, New York Times best-selling author of Thirst “Who am I becoming?” That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But … and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren’t pretty. So he turned to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words:
“Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life.”
It wasn’t the response he expected, but it was—and continues to be—the answer he needs. Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness, as a root of much evil.
Within the pages of this book, you’ll find a fascinating roadmap to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
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Do you want to find a way to deal with the struggle of Hurry?
Pastor and author John Mark Comer presents his book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. How to Sty emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World” published by WaterBrook & Multnomah. The title of the book is based on a conversation John Ortberg had with Dallas Willard when Ortberg was in the danger of “getting sucked into the vortex of megachurch insanity (in: “Hurry: the great enemy of spiritual life”). The book starts with a prologue, two parts (The Problem / The Solution), an intermission, a third part which is the majority of the book (Four practices for unhurrying your life – Silence and solitude, Sabbath, Simplicity, and Slowing) and ends with an epilogue. Comer asks a simple question in regard to technology: “What is all this distraction, addiction, and pace of life doing to our souls?” (in: “A brief history of speed”).
Comer included many practical tips for readers to work on the elimination of hurry. E.g., in the chapter on “Slowing” he takes some rules from driving and other areas of life in order to show readers how they can slow down. He writes: “Here are a few ideas to gamify driving into the spiritual discipline of slowing: 1) Drive the speed limit, Get into the slow lane, 3) Come to a full stop at stop signs, 4) Don’t text and drive, 5) Show up ten minutes early for an appointment, sans phone, 7) Turn your smartphone into a dumbphone, 10) Keep your phone off until after your morning quiet time, or 15) Walk slower”.
This was the second book by Comer which I read (after “God has a name”) and I really appreciate it. The book is personal and based on Comer’s research. He also quotes from other personalities (e.g., Corrie ten Boom, Ronald Rolheiser, John Ortberg, Eugene Peterson). The book also offers notes for reference and further study at its end. Comer offers exercises for readers who want to applied the learned to their lives through a workbook and videos that are available through a link in the book. At the end of the Prologue he clearly states for whom the book is and I highly recommend it to these readers: “Above all, if your time has come and you’re ready to go on a counterintuitive and very countercultural journey to explore your soul in the reality of the kingdom… Then enjoy the read. This book isn’t long or hard to understand. But we have secrets to tell…”
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheRuthlessEliminationOfHurry #NetGalley
Aren’t we all looking for solitude in this busy world? More than that, don’t we long to spend more time with God, drinking in His presence and His Word? What about more time with the family?
Comer’s book will show you the how and why of an unhurried life in an easy to read format. I highly recommend it!
A friend recommended this book to me, but when I read a few of the negative reviews, I hesitated. I’m so glad I overruled the naysayers and picked it up. This book doesn’t just offer permission to slow life down, it encourages it. And the author goes farther than some of the classic “orginze” and “time manage” and other such common advice of the day. He dares to advocate for elimination. For stopping. For being present in the moment without guilt about all that you are missing out on–because when you slow down, you will miss out on other things. But you gain so much in exchange.
I love the discussion about the slower pace of Bible times, and the more purposeful life of Jesus and the disciples. I appreciated his personal plan for how he works the concepts of the book into his own life, all while prefacing that section with the idea that each reader should come up with their own list based upon their own life and situation. And, while advocating a major life change, a substantial culture shift, he maintains a gentle and encouraging tone admitting he hasn’t got it down perfectly either. Grace in the midst of challenge to do a little better.
I listened to this book on Audible and loved it! I rarely ever get through a book in two days but I just sat and listened to this book in one weekend. After listening to this book, I changed a lot about my daily schedule: how long to be on my phone, how long to spend time with my family, how long to spend time watching tv, etc. It was a very informational and life-changing book for me, personally.
This was definitely one of my favorite reads in 2019. I think we all know that our lives are moving at pace that feels too fast for us. We love the thrill of the ride, but when we look back, we realized we’ve missed the delights of the scenery along the way. Is that the feeling I want to have when my life comes to a close, or do I want to soak in the time that I have and use it to the glory of my King? John Mark Comer writes in an engaging and friendly way, while presenting some profound (and often convicting) truth. In an age where just the words “spiritual discipline” make people cringe, he gets you excited with his zeal and practicality. He makes what feels daunting accessible to anyone. Comer gives a thoughtful, yet practical examination for the need of Sabbath in our lives, as well as teaching the command to partake from the scriptures. The practices found in this book are simple, but are likely far from easy for the average American.
Whether or not you think you lead a life that is too busy, I think this is a good read for any believer. Exchange your busyness for Sabbath, and watch your life transform.
A beautifully written book about recapturing our faith by slowing down and reflecting on all that God has done and continues to do when we’re able to focus on His path for our lives.