Devotionals

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When Hurry Takes Time
By Lynn Wallace

"But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me (Psalm 22:19).

Everywhere I go, it seems like I always go in a hurry.

Yes, I know the mechanic said, "Let the car warm up five minutes in cold weather."

A friend said, "Always check all four tires before you leave." I remember the rule of all rules; always fasten your seat belt. When in a hurry, I forget.

Like the psalmist, the prayer of my heart is, "Hurry up God and work. Help me now."

One day my friend got married. In my haste to get to her wedding on time, I forgot to check my tires.

"Clatter, clatter, clatter," rattled the car as I drove off. What caused this dreadful racket?

I stopped, got out of the car, and wrinkled my brow when I inspected the rear end. Oh no! I thought. My car's falling apart. What can I do?

The wheel and the tire had separated. Who can help me? I thought Oh, yes I believed that "God was my Helper," but I didn't have much time. I needed a fast man for this job.

I thought about Jack, but Jack and Marj had gone up to their cabin. I dialed their number anyway. "Sorry, I can't come to the phone right now," parroted the answering machine. "If you'll leave your name and your phone number, we'll get back to you as soon as possible."

What good is that device when I'm in a hurry? It cannot change my tire.

I looked around. Louie and Joe aren't home, I observed. The policeman's car was parked at his place. I walked over to his place and knocked on his door. He left with bare feet. We walked back to my car. "I can't use that," he said, as he looked at my jack. He walked home and drove his car behind mine. He used his jack.

"Thank you," I yelled, and drove away in my car. In my haste I probably forgot my seat belt again. (At least that policeman didn't say anything!) Now I'll be late for sure, I thought. But when I arrived at the church, the wedding had not started. Extra chairs were set up for the overflow of guests. But I sat in a pew!

All my haste brought waste. Maybe some day I'll slow down and check my tires. In the meantime I'll pray, "Lord, hurry and help me. Help me now."

Oh God, help me not forget who is in control when I hurry. Forgive me when I forget Thee and scurry about. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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