A RULE OF LIFE IN A WORLD OF SPEED

“The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” – Isaiah 60:22.

We live in a world of relentless motion. Notifications interrupt our thoughts, schedules crowd our margins, and speed is praised as a virtue. Even rest becomes something we rush through. Even our time with God can start to feel rushed, squeezed in between all the other things. It is no surprise, then, that many believers feel spiritually scattered—busy with good things, yet yearning for deep joy, peace, and contentment in God. So it’s worth asking a simple but important question: How do we actually experience deep joy, peace, and contentment with God in a world like this?

There is an ancient idea that feels surprisingly relevant today: the practice of creating a rule of life. That phrase can sound strict or intimidating, but it’s really not. A rule of life isn’t about rules in the legalistic sense. It’s more like a rhythm, or a framework, that helps us live on purpose instead of by accident.

Think of it this way: if you don’t decide how your life will be shaped, something else will decide for you. Usually, that “something” is urgency, distraction, or other people’s expectations. A rule of life is simply choosing—ahead of time—what you want your days to be centered on.

At its core, a rule of life is about creating space for God. It’s a way of saying, “These are the practices that help me stay connected to God and grounded in who I’m becoming.” For some people, that might mean starting the day with a short time of prayer before checking a phone. For others, it might be taking a walk in silence, or reading a psalm at night before bed.

Think about starting small and being realistic. This isn’t about reinventing your entire life in one week. It’s about noticing what actually helps you pay attention to God, and then protecting that space. Faith grows through small, faithful choices repeated over time.

A healthy rule of life often includes a few simple rhythms. There are daily practices—short, consistent moments of prayer, Scripture, or stillness that anchor the day. There are weekly practices, like worship and Sabbath, that remind us we’re more than what we produce. Taking a real day of rest can feel countercultural, but it quietly reshapes our trust in God.

What’s important to remember is that a rule of life is not about earning anything from God. It’s not spiritual self-improvement. It’s about placing ourselves where God’s grace can meet us more fully. Jesus himself lived with intentional rhythms of prayer, rest, and relationship, even when there were endless demands on him.

Deep joy, peace, and contentment rarely show up in lives that are constantly rushed and reactive. But when we slow down enough to arrange our lives around God’s presence, something changes. We begin to experience a quieter, steadier joy—the kind that doesn’t depend on circumstances.

Discussion Questions:

Where do you notice distraction, hurry, or busyness most shaping your relationship with God right now, and what is it costing you spiritually?
What is one simple rhythm or practice you could begin—or reclaim—that would help create more space for God in this season of your life?