Why do we wear busyness as a badge of honor? How often do people approach you saying, “I know you’re super busy, but…?”
When others ask you what’s going on, do you respond with, “You know, staying busy”?
I don’t recall anywhere in Scripture where we are commanded to “stay busy.” In fact, God seems to recognize the trap of busyness, and so he offers “rest for our souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).
I believe our lives are so busy, chaotic and noisy that we’re missing out on God’s best. Why do we do it to ourselves?
Why do we book up every hour of our work day with meetings and appointments, not allowing any time to simply think? Why do we feel the need to fill every night of our week with sports, events and outings?
If you’re like me, one of your kids’ favorite questions is, “What are we doing tonight?” It’s easy to feel like a cruise director instead of a parent. I have to wonder, is busyness jeopardizing our souls?
Jesus asked a similar question in Mark 8:36: “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”
Aren’t we trying to gain something in all of this busyness? We seek approval from a new boss, family, friends or coaches. We put forth extreme effort to be a super spouse, parent or child. We want to make more money so that we can have nice houses, cars and vacations. Are our priorities out of whack?
People who aren’t busy, feel busy. We constantly take in news reports, social media and fantasy sports. Even if we allow our bodies to slow down, we don’t let our minds. We’re almost always in front of a mobile device or TV screen.
Science is showing that because of technology our minds are not shutting down. We’re constantly distracted. We’re overwhelmed, short with our children, spiritually exhausted, but we don’t know why. We’re creating busyness instead of simply being.
With all of this noise, when do we make time to hear from the one who knows us best and loves us most?
Our souls are longing for something more. The good news is Jesus made us an offer we can’t refuse. In Matthew 11 he says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.”
How do we take Jesus up on his offer? Psalm 46 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
I don’t want to be busy, I want to be still. I want to take God at His word that if I will wait upon Him, he will renew my strength.
Let’s commit to make time in our life to be still, to meditate on Scripture, to shut out the noise of life and listen for the voice of our Savior. Do it for the sake of your soul.
Adam Detamore (@adetamore on Twitter) is pastor of Realife Church in Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
