Busyness

   In our society today, we have put great value in creating a rich and meaningful life. This almost always equates to our busyness. We run in this rat race feeling sure that one day we will "arrive" at that place we desire to be. Crashing into bed at night only to realize that we will run the very same race again tomorrow. Sometimes, in order to break away from the mundane, people begin to do outlandish things; also sometimes referred to as a mid-life crisis. Other times, especially young adults, have the tendency to jump from one dream to the next because they have become bored with the initial dream. They have come to the realization of how unfulfilled they really are. Does busyness make our lives meaningful or meaningless?

Recently, I found myself increasingly drawn away from spending uninterrupted, unhurried time with Jesus, by my infinite list of menial tasks . My never ceasing busyness seemed to be encompassed in this thought by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:22-23, "What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless." I was continually feeling exhausted and overworked. I wasn't sleeping well because my mind wouldn't shut off and I was over-emotional all the time. I couldn't help but ask the Lord why I was feeling so tired and worn down when my life was full of things to do and people to see. The Lord sent me the most gentle reminders in this very moment.

-"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him." (Psalm 62:1)

-“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

It is of great importance to desire and seek after the discipline of meditating on God's Word and being quiet in His presence. In all of our busyness we should make our number one priority seeking after our Lord and listening for Him to speak to us! When we are overwhelmed by all the to-dos or even before we come to that point, we must learn to be still and know that He is God. We will find rest in God alone! We find meaning for our life in Him! He is the very thing that fulfills our hearts desires!

Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." We must let this verse sink into our hearts and drive us toward an outwardly action of seeking the Lord. Focus on seeking Him and finding Him in every circumstance. I promise you that He is there. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. God is already there.

Today, take 5 minutes and just be still before the Lord. Don't think of all that needs to be done, all your goals or even your afflictions. During those 5 minutes, don't ask for anything. Just quiet your soul and reflect on God's goodness and grace. Can you do it? It will be harder than you think to quiet your soul and your mind. But it will be worth it! Wait on the Lord to meet you in this quiet place.

- For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. (Psalms 62:5 ESV)

Afterward, ask the Lord to help you remain in His presence and to go deeper into His Word. Ask Him to help you not to see this as another task on your daily to-do list but to take great delight in it. Ask Him to keep your eyes focused on Him. Ask Him to guide your every step.

How hard was your 5 minutes?

 

 

Blessings,

Lorie