Busyness
Busyness
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Have you heard yourself say, “There is just not enough time in the day to get everything I need done.” Do you often find yourself totally exhausted by the end of the day, yet you cannot stop. Well, you are not alone. In a country where we have 24/7 access to technology, travel demands, along with work and family obligations- busyness has become a normal way of living.
When we are too busy, our physical bodies, families and mental/emotional health tend to break down. We were not created to live in a constant state of busyness which can lead to chaos. There are many examples in the Bible where Jesus demonstrates and encourages His disciples to take a break. One example is when Jesus and His disciples had a long hard day’s work. People were excited to hear Jesus’ teachings, and many came to be healed. The number of people kept increasing and the disciples did not have time to eat. We find in Mark 6:31, Jesus tells His disciples to “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” In other words, Jesus made His disciples take a time out. Time away for themselves, away from the busyness and demands of life.
Again Jesus shows us the importance of slowing down when sisters, Mary and Martha are entertaining. Martha is continuing to prepare, clean, and wait on others while Jesus is speaking. Martha, feeling the stress of doing all the work, becomes upset with her sister Mary. She brings this frustration to the attention of Jesus with the expectation that He will correct Mary. You see, Mary was resting at the feet of Jesus, listening intently to what He had to say. Jesus responds to Martha by telling her in Luke 10:42, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha must have been shocked to learn that listening and being present in the moment was acceptable and the right thing to do; that sometimes the work can wait.
Dear Lord, we live in a world that is rewarded for busyness, multi-tasking, and the expectation that things be done quickly without a minute to spare. Would you help us to renew our hearts and minds in you, to find time to rest at your feet? Would you guide our lives according to your will as outlined in your Word? And help us not to be anxious about anything as we let go to rest in you. We are thankful for this time well spent in your presence; we look forward to continuing to find time to celebrate your birth this Advent season. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Written by Susan Coleman
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Have you heard yourself say, “There is just not enough time in the day to get everything I need done.” Do you often find yourself totally exhausted by the end of the day, yet you cannot stop. Well, you are not alone. In a country where we have 24/7 access to technology, travel demands, along with work and family obligations- busyness has become a normal way of living.
When we are too busy, our physical bodies, families and mental/emotional health tend to break down. We were not created to live in a constant state of busyness which can lead to chaos. There are many examples in the Bible where Jesus demonstrates and encourages His disciples to take a break. One example is when Jesus and His disciples had a long hard day’s work. People were excited to hear Jesus’ teachings, and many came to be healed. The number of people kept increasing and the disciples did not have time to eat. We find in Mark 6:31, Jesus tells His disciples to “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” In other words, Jesus made His disciples take a time out. Time away for themselves, away from the busyness and demands of life.
Again Jesus shows us the importance of slowing down when sisters, Mary and Martha are entertaining. Martha is continuing to prepare, clean, and wait on others while Jesus is speaking. Martha, feeling the stress of doing all the work, becomes upset with her sister Mary. She brings this frustration to the attention of Jesus with the expectation that He will correct Mary. You see, Mary was resting at the feet of Jesus, listening intently to what He had to say. Jesus responds to Martha by telling her in Luke 10:42, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha must have been shocked to learn that listening and being present in the moment was acceptable and the right thing to do; that sometimes the work can wait.
Dear Lord, we live in a world that is rewarded for busyness, multi-tasking, and the expectation that things be done quickly without a minute to spare. Would you help us to renew our hearts and minds in you, to find time to rest at your feet? Would you guide our lives according to your will as outlined in your Word? And help us not to be anxious about anything as we let go to rest in you. We are thankful for this time well spent in your presence; we look forward to continuing to find time to celebrate your birth this Advent season. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Written by Susan Coleman
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