The Lie Of Busyness

Do you feel like there is never time for rest? Your calendar is full to the brim and you can’t figure out how to fix the problem of busyness. A life without rest can feel like turmoil, but that is what the world tells us is normal, and not only is it normal, that’s how we get things accomplished. That’s the approach we should take in our careers, in our families, in our volunteer work, and in our play time. Every aspect of our life should be busy, busy, busy. The busier we are, the better we feel about ourselves. If we are busy that shows the world we have many friends, our kids are athletic and smart because they participate in many sports and clubs, and we are successful in our careers because we work 60 hours a week. We are so successful the world will miss out if we say “no” in participating in something. We allow ourselves to believe this lie and it becomes a trap that is extremely hard to get out of.

I’m just going to come out and say it, we are a narcissistic society! We yearn for rest and complain because we don’t have time for it, but we can’t seem to get past our own narcissism to allow rest into our lives.

When our lives are filled with things that only benefit ourselves then how can we find time for God? I’ve discussed in the past that success is obedience in God. If that’s the case, then we need to make time to hear God so we can be obedient.

In Exodus 33, the Lord tells Moses to go with His people to the land He had promised them. The Israelites had been so disobedient to God and had shown their doubt so much that God said His presence would not go with them or He might destroy them on the way. He wanted them to have faith and do as they were instructed. Well, the people got distressed when they found out that God’s presence would not be with them. This led to distress for Moses as well.

In Exodus 33:12-13, Moses says to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

Wow, Moses is telling God to remember who His own people are. Do we ever say, “God, remember me, your daughter? I’m exhausted, can you please give me rest in you that I’m so longing for?” I pray this prayer often. Do I ever really make the time to find rest in God? Usually not. I can’t seem to give up my busy schedule. We are filled with distress when we don’t feel God’s presence in our lives.

God tells Moses in Exodus 33:14, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

God tells Moses to have faith in Him and He will take care of His people. We ache for rest in God, but when it’s freely given to us, we’re too busy to enjoy it. When we ask of God, we need to sit back and be quiet so that we can hear His answer. We ask God for rest and we immediately start moving through our busy schedule. Our quiet time with God gets cut out.

This is a hard one to master. It is so hard because the world offers so much good to say “yes” to. What are we supposed to humbly decline? Your answer comes with obedience to God’s calling on your life. I attended a training class at my church and the leader mentioned they took events off the schedule because those particular events did not match up with their mission statement. They were fun events but they were not beneficial to their long term goals. It made me think about the many things I say “yes” to that do not line up with my family’s mission. If we looked at every opportunity that came before us in that manner then we may have a clearer vision as to what God is leading us to say “yes” to. The Holy Spirit, God’s presence, lives in us and gives nudges of what to say “yes” to. If we don’t feel that nudge or if we feel uncertainty in something, then maybe we need to say “no” for now. If we truly pray for rest, then God will provide it for us, if we are willing to accept it.

The lie of busyness is a trap the enemy loves to put us in. When we’re busy, we do not have time for our family, friends, or God. There is a way to avoid the trap or get out if you have been stuck in it for a long time. Ask for God’s help as you navigate your busy schedule. He will give you clear guidance when you take the time to listen.

Digging Deeper:

Read Genesis 2:2 - God did not need rest, but He gave us the example of rest. He knew that humans needed rest and we are to follow in God’s examples.

Read Matthew 11:29.

In what area of your life do you need rest? Is your life too busy? Are there things you need to say “no” to right now?

Does stress and anxiety build when you need rest? How can rest help your anxiety?

There is such a thing as active rest. What is God asking you to do as you wait for the rest you are longing for?