Insights from John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Lately, I’ve been noticing how easy it is to live in a constant state of rush. Not always because there’s too much to do, but because everything around us seems to be moving fast. Reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer made me pause in a way I didn’t expect. This book made me realise some errors that could have been avoided if I were calmer and more patient. John Mark Comer begins with his own story, and it’s surprisingly relatable. On the outside, everything looked fine, he was leading a growing church, doing meaningful work and showing up where he was needed. But internally, something was off. He describes it not just as burnout, but as a loss of joy, a growing frustration, even towards people he loved. What stood out to me is that the problem wasn’t what he was doing, it was the pace at which he was living. And that alone feels worth sitting with, because it’s possible to be doing the right things… at the wrong pace. Part One: The problem we don’t always name This part gently confronts something we often normalise, HURRY. Not just being busy, but living in a constant state of rushing mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. The book describes hurry as one of the greatest enemies of a meaningful life, because the things that truly matter, love, joy, and peace, don’t grow well in a rushed life. Love needs time. Joy needs presence. Peace needs stillness. And when life is always moving quickly, those things begin to fade quietly. What made this even more real is how he explains where this comes from. From how our world has evolved, from natural rhythms to clock-driven schedules, and now to a digital life where everything is always on. There’s barely any boundary anymore. You’re reachable at all times. There’s always something to respond to, something to check, something to consume, information everywhere. Over time, it creates a kind of restlessness that doesn’t go away, it just gets managed with more distraction. And if I’m being honest, that part felt very familiar. Part Two: Why more time isn’t the answer If we’re given the opportunity to, most of us will ask for more time. Comer challenges the idea that stress can be fixed with setting our priorities right. He reminds us that we are finite our time, energy, and capacity are limited. These limits are actually gifts, guiding us to focus on what truly matters. Instead of doing more, we are called to do less, but with our whole hearts. He draws on Matthew 11:28-30, explaining that Jesus’ “yoke” represents His lifestyle. Many try to experience His peace without adopting His rhythms. The invitation is simple: stop striving and start learning to live at the unhurried pace of Jesus. Comer also introduces the concept of a “Rule of Life,” a framework of habits that shapes our days. Like a trellis helping a vine grow, this structure helps our soul grow toward God. Most people live by a default rule dictated by the world, which fuels hurry. Creating an intentional rule protects our spiritual health. Spiritual disciplines, prayer, fasting, silence, aren’t just tasks to check off. They are practices that place us where God can transform our hearts, helping us grow in love, patience, and presence. Part Three: Learning a new way to live This part becomes very practical, which I love. It introduces simple practices including silence and solitude, sabbath, simplicity and slowing down. Silence and solitude stood out to me as a starting point. I learned to create a space to be still, away from noise and regular activities. It sounds simple, but it’s not something we naturally do anymore. Then there’s Sabbath, not just as rest, but as intentional rest. A time to pause, to enjoy, and to step out of constant productivity. Simplicity made me reflect on how much we carry, physically and mentally. Sometimes, having more actually costs us more time, more energy, and more attention. And finally, slowing down not just in big ways, but in small, everyday choices. Choosing not to rush through everything. Choosing to be present in what you’re doing. In summary, this kind of life won’t come naturally in a fast-paced world. It takes intention. It takes consistency. But the reward is something deeper than productivity. This is calling you to connection with God, with people, and even with yourself. And ultimately, it’s becoming a person of love. So for now, I’m choosing to: slow down, breathe, and be present. Because sometimes, the change we desire isn’t found in doing more, it’s learning how to fully be in what already is.
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