When You’re Tempted to Rush
Your Nightly Prayer
by Amber Ginter
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” - Psalm 17:14
SOMETHING TO PONDER
One of my favorite parts about being an author is the variety of tasks. Every day brings something new, and I’m never bored. From writing manuscripts to freelance articles or being on podcasts, I love my job. One thing I don’t love, however, is the slowness of the industry. And if you know anything about me, you know my aversion to slowness. Since childhood, I’ve been speedy. I was always the first to finish something, the fastest at a race, or the quickest to complete a task. I didn’t know it then, but looking back, this behavior bred deep roots for what I now know is high-functioning anxiety.
Funny enough, God’s given me a career that includes a lot of speedy and slow seasons. While I like the speedy ones more than the patiently endured ones, I’ve learned this: both are important and help us grow. Why? Because true, everlasting, and eternal growth can’t be forced. It unfolds in God’s timing, only when He says the time is right. Psalm 17:14 says it this way:
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
The best and worst part about waiting is that God wouldn’t have us do it unless it was beneficial and the best practice for us. God is good. He knows exactly what we need when we need it. This doesn’t make the waiting any easier, but it does remind us that, as Psalm 17:14 notes, we can take heart and be strong while we do. When I’m tempted to rush, two practices help me slow down:
- Physically slowing down.
Especially when we’re anxious, we want to go, go, go. This flips a “fight or flight” switch in our nervous systems, and while it can be helpful from time to time, constantly living in this state of being isn’t healthy for anyone. Instead, I force myself to sit in silence for 5 minutes. I let myself feel. Cry. Be uncomfortable. But doing this reminds me to wait on the Lord and strengthen myself in Him. - Recalling God’s faithfulness.
Because I’m a person who likes to be busy, I have to intentionally remind myself that God works in His own time and space parameters that are best for me, and I probably won’t understand them. When I’m tempted to rush or take matters into my hands, I must intentionally remind myself that God is in control and just as He was faithful then, He will be faithful now.
These practices don’t completely remove my urge to rush, but they remind me to trust God in the process. Remember: Growth cannot be forced; it unfolds in God’s timing.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
I love to rush things, but I know I shouldn’t. When I’m tempted to live this way, please remind me that your ways and timing are best. As I wait on you, strengthen me. Help me to take heart and trust in you alone. Enable me to physically slow down and recall your faithfulness as I learn to wait on you. I love you, Jesus, and I thank you for your grace.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
- What are you most tempted to rush in your life? Talk to God about these things and surrender what’s heavy on your heart. Then, sit in silence for five minutes and ask the Lord to speak to you.
- Which do you find more difficult: Physically slowing down or recalling God’s faithfulness? Why? Journal about these thoughts in a prayer to God and ask Him to help you incorporate both practices.
- Write down Psalm 17:14 on a sticky note where you will see it. Commit to reading it every day and memorizing it over time. Then, when you’re tempted to rush, recite the verse and calm your soul.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Miriam Alonso
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Originally published Saturday, 09 May 2026.
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