Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God

by Samantha Decker

Experience the joy of slowing down, creating margin, and surrendering control to God.

Samantha Decker lived a hurried life. Swimming in chaos with a never-ending to-do list, she experienced the fatigue and desperation of rushing from one thing to another. But, amidst her chaos and fruitless efforts to do and be everything, the Lord gently met her. He invited her to slow down and experience His created design for rest.

In Unhurried, we will explore our busy, hurried lives and discover how we can experience the joy of slowing down. We will learn more about margin—what is it, how did Jesus create it, and how can we follow Him? Through the Lord’s guidance and grace, Samantha also shows us how to make time for eternal realities.

Are your days marked by busyness, striving, and planning?Does rest feel unattainable?Do you regularly describe yourself as “busy”?
This book is an invitation to rest, create space, and join God in the work He’s doing.

This is the story of a God who knows how to rest. A God who has everything under control. A God who gave His only Son to save us from our sins and the bondage they bring. In Christ, there is freedom from striving, busyness, and hurry. Are you ready to take off these weights and follow Jesus?

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

SAMANTHA DECKER is a wife, mom, Bible teacher, author of "Unhurried", and above all, a follower of Jesus. She is passionate about encouraging believers to deepen their walk with Jesus through discipleship relationships and an unrelenting love for the Word of God. She and her husband, Dustin, live in Oklahoma and enjoy serving in their local church, trying new restaurants (especially if it’s Tex-Mex), and adventuring with their three rambunctious boys and baby girl. You can connect with her on Instagram or by signing up for her newsletter at samanthadeckerwrites.com.

Reviews

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many of us equate being busy with being more productive and fulfilled? Of course, this can sometimes be true. Our culture certainly stresses this aspect—we are often bombarded with methods and techniques on how to squeeze more into our already jam-packed schedules and lives.

But what if we chose to go against the tide and instead intentionally slow down? What if we trained our minds to focus on heavenly things in order to change our priorities and mindsets? I think if we are honest, terms like “slowing down” or “surrendering” can actually scare us!

“We don’t slow down to have a ‘better,’ less stressful life, though that may be a beneficial by-product. We slow down to tune our hearts to the Spirit. We don’t abide in Christ only when we feel out of control or helpless. We abide because we long to know our Savior more. Delight is birthed from an intimacy that comes from knowing God. And as we know Him, our heart’s desire becomes to be more like Him.”

“When we view spiritual disciplines through the lens of becoming Christlike, we start to fall in love with the practice. Our days will slow, our eyes will shift to eternity, and we will start prioritizing God’s purposes over our plans.”

I’d especially recommend this book if you:

• Long to be more intentional with your time
• Feel caught in the cycle of busyness and rushing
• Struggle to let go of control (🙋🏻‍♀️)
• Want to establish or deepen rhythms of prayer and time in God’s Word
• Desire a simple, Scripture-saturated resource that’s both encouraging and practical
• Hunger for a slower pace of life that allows for deeper connection with God and others

I was really blessed by this book and I think you will, too! Although this book shares a lot of mom wisdom, I think anyone could benefit from learning to become “unhurried”.

“An unhurried life is worth it.”

Thank you to @moodypublishers & @samanthadeckerwrites for sending this book to me in exchange for my honest review!

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it ironic if I admit to hurrying through this book in a sense, only because it was so good that I devoured its content? I truly enjoyed how well Samantha Decker addressed the issues with hurrying, why it was important to slow down to create space for God, and how to go about doing so. This was a theologically sound and compelling call for taking the time to be still and know that He is God in the midst of our busyness. The illustrations were relatable, and the section on application was simple enough that I can already envision how to incorporate some of the teachings offered in the book.

What made Unhurried stand out to me was the recognition that its readers may be coming from diverse schedules and seasons in life. I can't recall coming across too many Christian books directed at women that acknowledge those who work full-time rather than staying at home with their families, so I found this to be rather refreshing to encounter. As such, I appreciated that the analogies and stories weren't specific to only a limited group of people and would heartily recommend this book to any Christian who is struggling with slowing down. Readers seeking an eternal perspective on time and how best to fill their days will gain immense value through this book in learning when to wait on God and when to act urgently for His kingdom.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When was the last time you sat still—without an agenda—just to be with God?

Even our Bible reading and prayers can get rushed. They become another task on the to-do list instead of moments to truly linger with Him.

In Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God, Samantha Decker offers a gentle reminder: life isn’t about doing less for the sake of it—it’s about reordering our days around Christ so we can be present to what He’s doing in and around us.

One idea that really stuck with me? “Front porch time”—setting aside space without an agenda, simply to pray, listen, and be attentive to God. It’s such a simple practice, yet one I often forget in the busyness of life.

If you’re feeling stretched thin or rushing through even your spiritual practices, this book may be just the reset you need.

{Check out the full review here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/cr...}

[Sarah Gancarczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Reading this, I truly felt like I was talking with a friend over coffee. I love how Samantha uses specific references from the Bible to back up her points and gives real life examples on how to implement the ideas. As someone who is always preparing for the next thing and definitely lives a “hurried” life, I am thankful for the Godly wisdom to slow down and enjoy God’s blessings. Highly recommend reading!

[Gel 👩🏻‍🦰 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“His embrace is tender, and His voice is full of love as He gently whispers, “Slow down again.”

As a stay-at-home Mom of littles, I wouldn’t say my life feels “busy”. I am home much of the time: reading books, cleaning up messes, feeding kids, and playing. So, I wasn’t sure how much a book about hurry would apply to my life.
It turns out - it applies a lot.
Even though I’m not “busy” outside of my house, it’s easy to not have one minute alone with God. It’s easy to not dwell on heaven. It’s easy to not create margin for God to work.
This book was a beautiful reminder to me of how important it is to slow down, savor the Lord in day-to-day life, and release control to the One who is truly in control.

You’ll love this if you:
•Feel like you don’t have a lot of margin for God in your life
•Want an encouraging book with practical ways to slow down
•Feel like you are hurrying life away

Some of my favorite quotes:
“Are you slowing down enough to look for God at work around you?”
“How can we practically implement spiritual disciplines? To oversimplify, you just do it: day by day, little by little.”
“Dwelling on heaven will change everything”

Thank you @moodypublishers and @samanthadeckerwrites for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think we’ve all had those moments. Times when we look up and wonder, “How did we let life get so busy? Why does my to-do list seem never ending? Do I really need to be rushing from thing to thing? Is this feeling of failure and fatigue all there is?” If you, like me, have ever found yourself desperately needing a diminished pace to life, this book is a worthwhile read.
Using Scripture as it’s foundation, this book is a challenge,a permission, and an invitation. It challenges you to take an honest look at how you spend your time and examine if you have the margin to follow the Spirit;s leading. It gives you permission to take a deep breath in of the Word of God, as you allow it to saturate your mind and change how you live. It’s an invitation to a life of unequaled joy that is found when we truly rest in our Saviour and what He has done. As you read, your spiritual eyes will be guided to gaze at Jesus and live your minutes in light of eternity.

Thank you to the author & Moody Publishers for the complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Tristany Corgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You don’t have to do it all. Instead, do what God has laid before you today: nothing more, nothing less.” -Samantha Decker🌿

If you’re anything like me, you probably feel like you’re often in a hurry. We all have a million things to do and not enough time to do it all, and we’re exhausted. If you can relate, then Samantha Decker has written a book for you. In Unhurried, Samantha focuses on the importance of building margin into our busy schedules and allowing God to use that time to draw us closer to Him and make the gospel known to those around us. This book was both an encouraging and convicting read for me, and if you’re a busy person (like myself), you really should take the time to sit down and read this one.🤍

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to Samantha Decker and Moody Publishers for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

[Ruth Potinu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the practical feel of this book, verses to memorise, helpful tips, a reminder to stay focused on what truly matters. I think especially in this culture of hurry and the pressure to always do more, this book is a needed reminder to slow down.

[Eleisha O’Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one, I felt completely seen. Decker does a beautiful job pointing the reader to Jesus and helping us see the beauty in making space and setting boundaries. She eloquently poses questions for the reader to ponder, while providing realistic, Christ-centered application to encourage the reader to surrender every part of their life/day to Christ for HIS glory.

[Shannon Stroder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha made this book so relatable and at the same time, gave me scripture backing throughout the book! Truly practical and much needed advice on how to slow down and see where God can use me! Love this book!

[Haleigh Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Samantha Decker and Moody Publishers for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

Oh, how timely this book was for me! Lately I have been feeling like I need to be productive and stay busy (especially with a toddler!), but being pregnant has forced me to slow down and I haven’t liked it! However, it is a good thing to slow down, rest, and give control over to God. I love how Samantha incorporated Scripture and explained what it means to create margin in our lives, which is something I have never considered before. She gives practical tools throughout the book to for us to apply to our own lives. I love the reflection questions at the end of each chapter, too! I will be recommending this one to all my friends and family, and it will definitely be a book I go back to again and again.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you feel overwhelmed by the busyness of life, and you'd love to settle into a more sustainable rhythm (dare we say experience peace?), but feel like that's just out of reach for this season you are in - this book is for you. Samantha draws on her personal experience with this to help us draw strength from God's Word to experience God's presence and His peace right here right now. It comes as we surrender and learn to practice an unhurried pace.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I would like to place this book into so many of my friends hands and look in their eyes and say “It’s okay to slow down”. 🫶🏻

A perfectly timed book for me in a season of trying to do everything on my own and completely ignoring the sovereignty of God in my life.

🌿A few quotes I loved:

“Here’s the lie Satan has spun: If we hurry, we can do more with our time. However, here’s the truth God has shown me: When we hurry, we elevate our selfish priorities and diminish His eternally focused promptings.”

“It’s as if we’re saying to God “You can have the leftovers, God. I know best what I need to do at this minute.”

“Do you allow your schedule to blind you to the work of eternity?”

As a very high-achieving Enneagram 3 - this book was very convicting that I cannot and should 👏🏻 not 👏🏻 try to do life all on my own. It’s a form of pride in my life that is not honoring to the Lord.

Thanks to the author for sharing this early reader’s copy with me! Highly, highly recommend.

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.

Scripture Connection
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matt. 11:29

What to Expect
The organization of Unhurried reminds me of the Expository speaking I performed in high school speech and debate. Decker unpacks the concept of an unhurried lifestyle, addressing the theme from multiple angles of consideration. Here are some of the topics covered:

The problem of hurry
The benefit of not hurrying
The spiritual precedents of unhurry
Unhurry as spiritual discipline
Unhurry in relation to the fruits of the spirit
How it looks, practically, not to hurry
Lamentation and grace: When we’re hurrying again
Throughout, Decker points her readers straight back to Jesus and His goodness. It’s very clear that her desire not to hurry, and to encourage others likewise, is rooted in abiding relationship with Him.

What I Liked
Decker has no problem overturning the world’s paradigms when it comes to concepts of productivity and time management. While the world urges us to “hustle” through our days, Decker challenges the notion that our worth can be measured in terms of output. As she exhorts readers to find their worth in Jesus, she also reframes what it means to “make the most” of our time. Her conclusion, far from the popular ideology of hustle is that we need more margin.

But Decker’s idea of “margin” isn’t some vague zen construct or the brainchild of secular psychology. It’s margin for Jesus. The second part of the book, “Make Him Room” is all about seeking Him… in everything. This is a positively refreshing outlook, and I so appreciate Decker’s personal example of telling her son, “I don’t know, we are going to do whatever God asks us to” (p. 116). This is an approach I have been so blessed to see modeled, by my mom, throughout my life. It’s also one that I see very rarely upheld in the western church, where productivity is often lauded as the antithesis of laziness. All this to say, I’m so grateful for Decker’s numerous encouragements to stop, put aside our own plans, and seek Jesus.

Decker goes as far as to call our own plans– even the ones that seem good– selfish. And she is SO RIGHT! She also doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to identifying idolatry: If we feel the deep-seated need to rely on our own plans and our own (false perception of) control… that is idolatry. It’s easy to glaze over the reality of our sin, especially when it comes to ideas of productivity, but idol worship is idol worship. And that’s something I needed to hear.

At the same time, Decker isn’t harsh. Her writing is threaded with sweet, vulnerable commentary and confessions. Even in the epilogue, she shares about how she had hoped she would have “arrived” in terms of living an unhurried lifestyle. In reality, the same week she was writing this conclusion, her family arrived to church, harried and ten minutes late. I appreciate her honesty, and I’m even more grateful for the consistent message of turning to Jesus. The last chapter, about repentance and lament, especially stood out to me, in this regard.

Because the book is about not hurrying, the last chapter specifically focuses on how we should respond if we find ourselves embroiled, once more, in a hurried lifestyle. But while that’s the emphasis, the general message is an excellent one for any time we find ourselves caught in sin.

Here’s an idea I’d like to return to: we can turn to God about our sin and bring Him the sorrow of our heart, including about sin, in lamentation. I usually think of lamentation in terms of external events, grieving about the horrible things happening in the world. I also tend to run from God when I encounter my sin or feel trapped in it. But in lamentation, we can run to Him. Decker quotes Pastor Mark Vroegop: “Laments turn toward God when sorrow tempts you to run from Him” (p. 200).

Some Solid Takeaways
“Finishing” work does not mean having nothing left to do. It means “you finish the work [you set out to do]” and realize it is enough” (p. 27).
“…decision making should not lead to fear. God desires to use us knowing full well His purposes will ultimately be accomplished!” (p. 146) / “You have great value to God, but you are not big enough or powerful enough to even put a dent in His plans or purposes” (p. 149).
Paraphrasing podcaster Marty Solomon, Decker writes, “The Jewish day begins when the sun goes down as a reminder from God to His people that their day doesn’t begin with production. It begins with rest” (p. 184).
Respectful Discussion / Content Notes
Decker approaches the topic of unhurry from a strongly evangelical perspective, so much of her discussion about calling hinges on the specific task of sharing the Gospel. While I understand that this is a very popular position to take, I think that it’s appropriate to seek Jesus’ guidance in terms of individual calling. Decker spends a lot of the book emphasizing the specific need to meet with Him and see what He’s up to, which I really, really appreciated. But when it comes to evangelism, she interprets this task as a blanket calling for all believers. I think that in this area, as with other areas of action, it’s very important to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading, and not assume that every moment is the right one. Decker also states that believers may be “idle” if it’s been awhile since they “shared the Gospel.” I’m very wary of this claim, as I believe we should each lean into His calling for the specific times and seasons we are in. (For context, I have an evangelical church background. I’ve done my share of “preaching the Gospel,” and I know that a lot of my “preaching” has been in the wrong time and in the wrong way).

With that said, I do like what Decker says about living an “intentional lifestyle where we are making the most of every opportunity the Lord puts before us” (p. 171).

I’d also like to briefly note the section about spiritual giftings. I like that Decker leans into the idea of seeking Jesus’s guidance above all. While she does reference human assessments (I.e. “spiritual inventories”), she points out that these should not take the place of seeking His will. I appreciate that!

Recommendation Status
Unhurried is an honest invitation to a lifestyle of margin and surrender to Jesus. For me, this was a much needed admonition and, while I admittedly did not read the entire book at a slow pace, I can say, that it drew me closer to Jesus. I do hope and believe that the tenets of the book will continue to stick with me in my continuing walk with Him. I want to turn to Him more, seek Him more — put aside my own plans, more.

Recommended, with some reader discretion, to weary women. May we find our rest in Him!

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Thank you to the author, @samanthadeckerwrites, and to Moody Publishers for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

Slowing down, creating margin, and really setting aside time to LISTEN for God is something I’ve really been pursuing this year. This book was so timely for me! It’s always funny how God uses publishing timelines and book reviewing in my life–a huge added blessing!

I loved the way that Samantha uses Scripture and stories from her own life to write an engaging book that points readers to Christ again and again. Culture is saturated with messages of “hurry,” and the Church has not been immune. People are busier and more burnt out than ever in so many ways. Yet, God offers us rest and a better way. Samantha beautifully breaks down what that better way is and reminds readers how wonderful it is that we can slow down, rest, and surrender everything we’re holding and the schedules we’re juggling to a kind and merciful, gracious Savior.

I appreciated how Scripture-saturated this book is and how theologically deep the text is, while also being reader-friendly and offering lots of practical applications and reflection opportunities.

I’ve already excitedly recommended this title to a couple of my friends, and I’m excited to now recommend Unhurried to you as well!

[Christina K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhurried by Samantha Decker is a helpful nonfiction book for anyone looking to slow down, create margin, and surrender control to God just as the title states. The author clearly defines the problem of hurry and control, gives processes and tools to help achieve giving them up, and provides practices and applications to actually make a change.

Decker has created a perfect balance of what scripture concretely says with avenues to practically apply them. Where many books tend to tip the scale more heavily on one side or the other, Decker takes the reader on a walk through scripture showing them how to allow the fruit of God’s word to grow in their life. She emphasizes the rest one must find in their relationship with Christ over the striving they so often fall into.

Decker walks through three main sections, but switches readers seamlessly between orthodoxy (the “what” to believe about Jesus) and orthopraxy (the “how” to walk with Jesus). Every section provides helpful ways to face the challenges of a life of following Jesus and in a way that relinquishes control to God.

Decker’s life experiences help readers to relate to their own struggles with hurry and their own grasps for control. Her expertise is her humanity. If she had more education or training in this area, it would make the reader feel like they would need more than merely their own experience with a good God who loves them. The thing that really does shine through is the author’s love for the Lord and a lifetime of following Him. This helps the reader feel as if they could follow Jesus with an unhurried and surrendered life as well.

Decker provides readers with a clear understanding of why hurry and control are not a part of God’s design for His people, how God wants His people to truly live, and how someone like you or me could could genuinely live those things out. This book is rich. I felt as if I feasted; however, I read this book a couple of times over my family’s spring break so it did not feel too weighty. The content could possibly have been split into more than one book, but the book’s conversational tone made it feel like couch and coffee with a friend rather than a sermon or lecture from a preacher.

I would whole-heartedly recommend Unhurried to anyone wanting help with hurry and control and also anyone who needs a reminder that Jesus invites everyone to come to Him and find REST for their souls. Thank you so much, Samantha Decker, for this well-crafted and profitable work of heart.

[Liz Parkhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite its name, this book is a fairly quick read. That’s not to say it’s an easy book without a challenging message. It’s chock full of truth that I would wager will challenge your day-to-day life in many ways. Samantha Decker’s conversational approach is easy to follow and she will leave you wanting to keep going to see what other truths and challenges she brings to the table.

The message of Unhurried is countercultural and very needed in our day. Decker explains our need to take life a little slower – not just for the sake of less stress, although that’s certainly a benefit – but for the sake of Christ. If we’re constantly running from thing to thing with no down time, then how willing are we to be interrupted by Christ and used for his purposes throughout our day – particularly if those purposes don’t line up with ours? (And let’s face it – they usually don’t and that’s a good thing.)

Decker challenges her readers to recognize the effects of a hurried life – and all the control attempts behind it – then to learn to create margin in our lives, abide in Christ, seek to be more like him, use your work and spiritual gifts for his glory, and surrender control of our lives to him. She also includes a chapter on knowing when it is appropriate and right to hurry. Rather than putting pressure on her readers to go and radically change their lives today, Decker takes a grace-filled approach and encourages making changes one step at a time and reminds us of how to find to find our way back on track again when we slip back into old patterns.

Hurry is a big problem in our culture (and in my own life) and I needed the challenge to be more intentional about creating margin in my life, not just for its own sake, but for Christ’s sake. It’s so easy to get caught up in my plans for the day and lose sight of what really matters in eternity. I’m much more of a Martha than a Mary.

Decker notes, “God is sovereign and His plans have and will prevail. Will you slow down and join Him as you are going?”

I believe this book will challenge you to do just that and I would highly recommend it.

*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review.*

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God by Samantha Decker

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly swimming in chaos, trying to keep up with an endless to-do list? I know I have—and that’s why this book resonated so deeply with me. In Unhurried, Samantha Decker shares her journey of exhaustion, striving, and ultimately finding rest in the gentle presence of God.

The world constantly tells us that busyness equals worth, but Unhurried challenges that lie through Scripture and truth. Decker reminds us that we were never meant to live in a constant state of hurry. One quote that really captured my attention was:

“I wonder how many times we miss opportunities because we are too hurried and too focused on getting back to where we think we should be.”

This book is an invitation—to slow down, to create space for God to move, and to surrender our need for control. As Decker beautifully puts it,

“Margin, at its core, involves conceding control.” (p. 141)

That line alone made me pause and reflect on how often I fill my schedule so tightly that I leave no room for God to redirect or speak.

What I appreciated most about Unhurried is how practical it is. Each chapter ends with thoughtful reflection questions that make it ideal for both personal devotion and small group study.

I highly recommend this book to anyone longing to live with greater peace and awareness of God’s presence. It’s a gentle yet powerful reminder that slowing down isn’t weakness—it’s an act of faith and surrender.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Unhurried, Samantha Decker writes An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God.



Margin Makes Room for God

I’ve heard about creating margin from various leadership books and podcasts. This book puts a spiritual spin on it by showing us that margin helps us make room for the things of God. It’s filled with real-life stories from Decker, as well as practical points of application.

I was most interested to read how setting our hearts and minds on heaven can help eliminate the need to hurry. I was challenged to trust God’s sovereignty instead of worrying when our plans get derailed. We can learn to see inconveniences as opportunities to do God’s will.



Grace to Slow Down

This book does not call us to idly waste our time. Decker champions the spiritual disciplines to help us make the most of our time with the Lord. She also encourages us to define and develop our spiritual gifts. I realized that much of my hurry stems from neglecting the resources and means God has already provided.

While Decker admits that we will continue to struggle in the fight to slow down, she ends the book on a hopeful note: God’s grace enables us to try again. I am reminded that we have new mercies every morning. This book will help you take stock of your life, truly slow down, and find rest and joy in our Savior.



I received a media copy of Unhurried and this is my honest review.

[Amber Ginter Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Unhurried, Samantha Decker invites readers to step off the treadmill of hustle culture and rediscover a slower, more soul-centered way of living with God. Rooted in Scripture and honest reflections, Decker reminds us that the pace of Jesus was never rushed—and that spiritual depth is rarely found in constant motion.

Each chapter feels like a deep breath. Decker writes with gentle conviction, weaving stories, biblical truth, and practical application in a way that’s both convicting and comforting. Whether she’s exploring rest, boundaries, or identity, her words feel like an invitation rather than a command—an open door to abide instead of strive.

What I loved most about Unhurried is its balance: it’s deeply spiritual yet accessible, reflective yet practical. Decker doesn’t just tell you to slow down; she helps you want to. Through journal prompts, prayers, and personal anecdotes, she permits readers to live a life that honors both purpose and peace.

This is the kind of book you don’t rush through—it’s meant to be savored, revisited, and absorbed slowly. For anyone who feels weary, overextended, or spiritually scattered, Unhurried is a beautiful reminder that God’s best work often happens in the still spaces.

Perfect for fans of Emily P. Freeman and John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

[Ana Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

En un mundo dominado por las prisas, bajar el ritmo, descansar y hacer espacio para lo que realmente importa, cuesta.

Este libro nos confronta con la idea de vivir vidas apresuradas y extremadamente planificadas.

El libro está dividido en tres secciones.

En la primera sección nos presenta el caos en el que vivimos cuando nos dejamos llevar por las urgencias de la vida. Vivimos en un mundo impaciente.
“La paciencia y el crear espacio van de la mano•”

En la segunda porción del libro, Samantha nos exhorta a crear espacios para Dios en medio del desorden del día a día. Mi capítulo favorito en esta porción fue el 10: Rendir el control.
“No podemos añadir un solo minuto a nuestras vidas, o controlar el número de nuestros días, pero podemos rendirnos a Aquel que puede. Esta rendición trae paz y libertad. Si confiamos en que Dios es quien dice ser, no hay mejor lugar para estar que en las manos de Dios.”

En la tercera sección Samantha nos aterriza todas estas ideas a la práctica y nos anima a descansar en la gracia de Dios.
“Mantener una perspectiva eterna a lo largo del día nos ayudará a mantener las prioridades en orden.”

Disfruté mucho leyendo este libro. Me desafió a cultivar una vida sin prisas y a crear espacios para obedecer el propósito de Dios en mi vida.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God by Samantha Decker

This book is a breath of fresh air. Reading it truly feels like an invitation, not to add “create margin” as one more thing on your to-do list, but to really reflect on the habits of your life and what kind of person they are shaping you into.

I appreciated how the author shares lessons she has learned as encouragement, rather than writing with the tone of a how-to book. Reading this felt like sitting on that porch swing on the cover (isn’t it stunning?!) and gaining wisdom from a friend.

Each chapter also includes reflection questions and suggested memory verses. I loved this emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s help in lasting change.

From the book—
“We don’t slow down to have a “better,” less stressful life, though that may be a beneficial by-product. We slow down to tune our hearts to the Spirit.”

Many thanks to Samantha Decker for the advanced review copy. This book is a gift!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decker does a good job of taking us through the problem of hurry. She helps us learn how to create margin so when God speaks to us we can be available. She identifies our desire for control. “Margin, at its core, involves conceding control.” (141) She explores how God might use us when we give Him the opportunity to talk to us and we actually listen. She writes about abiding. “Abiding is the decision to remain so in tune with the Spirit that everything else pales in comparison.” (82) She gives practical suggestions on topics like solitude and making decisions.

This is a good book for Christians who want to learn how to live in the presence of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There are good questions at the end of each chapter for personal reflection or for use in a group study. I recommend this book to those desiring to be attentive to the presence of the Lord and his guidance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book to read if your life feels rushed, out of control and chaotic. I really enjoyed this book and read it slowly to make sure I was really taking in the book.

At the end of the chapters are reflection questions and I really tried to think the answers in my head. You could easily jot down your answers in a note book as well, if writing is your thing. There are only 3 questions at the end of each chapter so not overwhelming. There are also verses to memorize.

The book is separated into 3 parts:

The Problem of Hurry, Control, and an Over-Planned Life (talks about margin)

Make Room for Him (abiding, Lord’s plan, work, gifts, surrendering control)

Consider Your Ways (knowing when to hurry, schedule with room, staying unhurried)

The parts are broken into chapters which is further broken up into sections which makes it easier to read, especially if you have to tend to kids a lot. It doesn’t seem as overwhelming to read little sections.

Moody Publishers never disappoints.

[Osarieme Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever felt like life was moving too fast, like you couldn’t catch your breath, or even when you're physically still, your heart and mind are racing, then this book is for you.

I was so excited to dive into this book because it's a topic the Lord has been speaking to me about. And it did not disappoint.

This book is truly a gem. Samantha’s words echoed the ache in my heart, giving voice to thoughts and feelings I’ve often struggled to articulate. She shares from her experiences with such grace—never judging, but gently and firmly pointing to a better way to live. Though the author and I are in different life seasons—she's married with kids, and I'm single—there was so much I could learn, glean, and apply. Her wisdom and Scripture-backed insights are relevant across various stages of life.

I'm incredibly grateful to the author for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In Christ there is freedom from striving, busyness, and hurry. But it requires surrender.”

About the Book: In a world that seems to thrive on chaos and constant busyness, Unhurried delves into the importance of creating margin in our lives. Through Biblical wisdom and relatable personal stories, Samantha gently beckons us to surrender our hectic schedules and find true rest in Jesus.

Unhurried serves as a heartfelt reminder of the beauty of being present, encouraging us to open our hearts and lives to be instruments of God’s purpose. It invites us to reorient our focus towards what holds eternal significance, even as we navigate a culture that glorifies a relentless, frantic pace.

Reading this book was a true blessing — a warm invitation to embrace the gift of an unhurried life.

I am grateful to the author for providing me with a gifted copy of this lovely book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alonda | Let's Talk Bible Study · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapters on surrender and control were exactly what my soul needed and led me into several different moments of much needed reflection. I'm pretty sure God had me read this book specifically for those two chapters. Samantha is very transparent in her writing with I genuinely appreciate. In one of the first chapters Samantha shares a story about her experience with the song, "Be Thou My Vision". My heart skipped a beat because 1) that's my all time favorite song. And 2) they way it impacted her is similar to how it impacted me.

In my opinion this book reads as if it were written for new moms or those in a season of early motherhood. Possibly women in their young adult era; but definitely, DEFINITELY a book that someone drowning in the demands of motherhood could read and find solace and practical guidance.

[Audrey Pinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I approached this book thinking, “I don’t live a hurried life; I wonder if this book will be helpful to me at all” and walked away thinking, “Man, I have got to slow down, intentionally seek the Lord, and ask Him for opportunities to carry out my purpose.”

I mean this with all sincerity, Samantha packed so much wisdom into these pages that I will absolutely need to read this again.

No matter what stage of life you’re in, this book will encourage, challenge and exhort you to be intentional to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called — AND give you practical advice on how to start.

I’m butchering this review because my head is still spinning from all the wisdom, so I’ll end with this: Thank you, Samantha, your wisdom blessed me.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhurried is such a great book filled with practical tools that encourage a life that points to Jesus. It’s an invitation to slow down and create time for the Lord rather than rush to the next thing. It has been the sweetest reminder for my ADHD brain that it’s not only okay to sit and be with the Lord and His people but it’s restorative and so so good for our souls! Unhurried is filled with relatable personal stories from the writer, tons of biblical references, encouraging quotes from various theologians, and even questions at the end of every chapter to help retain and practically apply the information. Highly recommend this book!

[Diana Maria]

I honestly tried but could not finish it. It may have its merits but I could not muster patience enough to listen to it. It felt childish to me when there was any attempt to an original thought, and the rest is a collection of Scripture verses.
Maybe another time...or maybe a better, more mature and better articultated book.

"Reclaiming Quiet" by Sarah Clarkson is a worthy read or any of the Church Fathers who wrote about quietness, unhurriedness, peace and a well ordered mind.

I really wanted to love it, more so because of Sara Masarik's high praise, but it failed to convey any excitement, or awe-someness.