Haste is defined as “over-eagerness to act” – “hurrying in a rash or careless manner” – and “rapidity of action or motion”.
Friends, HASTE HAS EXHAUSTED US! And just as this picture so clearly reveals, haste is a part of being exhausted.
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich is not innocent nor will go unpunished.” is declared by Proverbs 28:20
Proverbs 21:5 says, “The thoughts and plans of the diligent tend only to plenty; but of every one that acts with haste only to want and poverty.”
Interesting…. from these two verses we can conclude that, if we act in haste to “be rich”, then we will not go unpunished. And, it appears that this, our haste, will also lead us “to poverty.”
How does that make sense? The Word appears to be telling us completely the opposite of what the World tells us. We are told “quick – act now – or you’ll lose out!” …be it a job choice, a financial purchase, being in relationships, etc. “Whatever you do, don’t wait! It may be too late!” seems to be the philosophy of the World.
Yet, the Word says that the faithful man, who is diligent, takes a steady approach of having his thoughts and plans directed by God, and therefore, he will have plenty and blessings. This is how a godly man will go about doing things:
Isaiah 52:12 declares, “But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”
We can conclude that HASTE is not God’s Way. He wants to go before us and come behind us. He plans to lead us into each step we take. He has His plans for us, which includes our provisions, but we must follow him for him to then protect us “from the rear”. When we go our own way, this leaves us with that EXHAUSTED and ENTRAPPED feeling… with poverty of spirit and poverty of pocketbook.
Today, I encourage you to “pause” – “inquire of God” – “receive your next move” – “stay still until you know it”
…and “only then, move.” Do not be in Haste. It will indeed leave you exhausted!
Most of you are familiar with the quote by Benjamin Franklin: Haste makes Waste. Well, it is true! This idiom means that if you try to do something quickly, without planning it, you’re likely to end up spending more time, money, and energy in doing it, because you didn’t think things through or have clear direction to begin with. Isn’t the loss of energy, exhaustion?
Many a handyman has experienced the reality of haste exhausting them. They didn’t have the proper tool, or didn’t take time to read the directions first, or block out enough time to finish, or get permission to be at a certain location, etc. Haste causes “issues” which then led to “exhaustion”!!
Many a parent has experienced the reality of haste exhausting them too! They didn’t plan the night before how they were going to get Junior to practice, or their youngest to a doctor appointment, and they didn’t set that morning alarm, so they were totally stressed in the few short minutes they allowed themselves before school that day, because everything was done in haste! It ended up they didn’t get anything done that was intended. The dr appointment had to be rescheduled, and there was no one able to get Junior home from practice so he was told not to go. They spent more time dealing with the issues than if they had just planned for and carried them out.
Haste was the culprit!
These are just a couple examples. You know your own circumstances where haste has made waste.
This is somewhat a picture of how we, spiritually, venture out without God’s giving us what we need to do His Will. But you say, “Well, faith has to count for something!” That is true, but it will take “more faith”, or maybe I should say, “more stress”, if you step out without God’s empowerment and plan. It’s this anxiety and stress that exhausts!
In closing, I will ask a few questions, in Jesus’ Name:
Have you asked God what to do today? Where to be? Or are you on autopilot?
Have you been putting your day together in Haste? Or do you plan?
Are you tired? Almost to the end of yourself?
Has Haste exhausted you?
I have good news! You can be rich in the blessing of fulfillment! …knowing you are following the Lord’s Lead, energized by His Spirit to do what needs doing.
Are you Led? Or have you been trying to lead God, to follow you, in “your” haste?
Are you Energized or Exhausted?
HASTE HAS EXHAUSTED US!
Take some time to ponder if you’ve been in Haste. It may be in one area and not in another. So, give it thought! And please be honest with yourself. The Holy Spirit is here to help you!
Write done some changes the Holy Spirit may have you make after reading this message:
As you are doing your questions and pondering…or afterward… Take a moment to just slow yourself down. Here is a song, that is a type of musical therapy, that will cause you to slow down, as your soul tunes in to hear intricate interlocking melodies. (smile). It is called Peace That Passes Understanding. Just put the music on low, maybe close your eyes, and just allow God’s Spirit, through the music, to “minister peace” To You.
Please don’t allow “haste to rob you” of time with Your Lord, Believers. You’d better slow down!
Here is the link:
Peace That Passes Understanding – Elizabeth Ann Smith – Receive From Me
This song is over five minutes and a great one to download to use at bedtime, to put you to sleep…the intricacies in the music patterns as I play this piano piece, will take all the circulating thoughts out of your mind and bring you to a rest. It’s God’s peace I’m ministering to you. He says, “Be Still, and Know That I Am God.” Psalm 46:10 Let him take the cares for today… tomorrow is another day.