I have no monumental story to tell.

No brag to share about my previous breakneck life of speed and greed.

No dramatic turnaround that transformed a speedaholic into an unhurried worshipper.

I’m just a believer with a deep desire to know God, who realized that fast doesn’t work.

Here are some slow thoughts about an unhurried life of worship from the first verses of Genesis…

1.

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1)

Everything begins and ends with God. He comprehends all things in Himself, and nothing is outside His knowledge or control. Time has a beginning and an end. God does not.

Unhurried life sits securely in this reality. When you step into the place of prayer and sense His presence you step outside of time.

Prayer is where we meet with the One who inhabits eternity, and where we get a perspective less pressured by the passing moments slipping fast through our fingers.

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15 KJV)

2.

“In the beginning God…”

God created. We know that. But the who came before the do. Before any action, before any other thing, He is.

The same is true for you. Who before do.

You are not measured by your production or usefulness, and the impactful contribution you are called to bring to the world will flow from who you are on the inside. Issues of life flow from the heart, and the more connected you become to your accepted and loved identity in Christ the more freely that wonderful value you produce will flow out and change lives.

3.

“In the beginning God created” (Genesis 1:1 KJV)

God’s first introduction to us is as Creator. He is a Maker and wonderfully inventive in every way. A creative and productive life is natural and normal for the children of God. It is not something you have to work up or strain to become. You are creative, made in the beautiful image and likeness of the One who created you.

Living a creatively fruitful life is the overflow of the connection you have with God.

A tree doesn’t strain to produce the fruit it was designed to bless the world with and nor should we. Let you heart root deep into God’s faithfulness and His personality and vibrant, untamed wonder will flow from your heart in most surprising ways.

4.

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2 KJV)

In a society hell-bent on faster, bigger, cheaper, the idea that something is not shiny and slick is frowned upon.

Sometimes life feels less than slick. Without form and void is a dark place to be if you don’t remember that God moves even when the lights are out.

Don’t be in a hurry to run from searching seasons where your life feels without form.

Hidden inside what looks like formless clay to an untrained eye, the Sculptor sees a masterpiece.

You are His masterpiece, and even through dark seasons of soul searching the Holy Spirit is moving.

5.

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2 KJV)

The word used for Spirt here in the first verses of our epic adventure into the mind and heart of God is ‘ruah’ translated in some instances as ‘breath.’ The breath of God moved on the face of the waters. He breathes upon our darkness!

God’s breath is life-giving and creative by nature.

Maybe if we take His lead and breathe more we would see better results than our breathless striving.

Taking a breath to remember that God is with you, and in you, will keep you stayed on the truth that nothing is impossible. Even in the midst of seeming chaos the Spirit is breathing.

So can you. Slow down. Take a breath. And remember.

6.

“And the evening and the morning were the first day.” (Genesis 1:5 KJV)

There was a rhythm to Papa’s creative work.

There is no sense of rush in the beautiful account we have of His handiwork.

Evening, morning. The first day.

Evening, morning. The second day.

He then adds a second beat the rhythm.

“… and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:12 KJV)

Evening, morning. The third day.

“and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:18 KJV)

Right the way through to a crowning chorus of creations song:

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31 KJV)

An unhurried rhythm of creation, followed by appreciation.

Selah.