The Illusion of Being Too Busy
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In an age where the hustle of life consumes every waking moment, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we are simply too busy to spend time with God. Our days are filled with tasks that demand our attention, deadlines that stress our minds, and social obligations that fill our calendars. Yet, amid this whirlwind of activities, there lies a subtle trickery of the devil, whispering that our busyness justifies the neglect of our spiritual growth and relationship with the Almighty.
The narrative of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 offers a profound lesson in the midst of our bustling lives. Martha, consumed with the duty of hosting Jesus, found herself distracted and anxious about her tasks, while Mary chose to sit at the Lord’s feet, listening to his word. Jesus’ gentle rebuke to Martha serves as a timeless reminder that, despite the multitude of our responsibilities, nothing should take precedence over our time with Him.
The Illusion of Being Too Busy
Our society often wears busyness as a badge of honor, equating a jam-packed schedule with success and fulfillment. This glorification of busyness not only feeds into our ego but also stealthily drifts us away from the essence of our faith. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 poignantly reminds us that there is "a time for everything under the heavens," yet how often do we allocate time for God in our everything?
The devil is adept at using our busy schedules as a smokescreen, masking the reality that time for God is not about finding space in our schedules but about making Him the priority. This deception leads us to deprioritize our spiritual well-being, mistakenly believing that God understands our busyness and will forgive our lack of communication.
Identifying the Devil's Tricks
The devil excels in subtlety, often using the most inconspicuous methods to drift us away from God. One of his most effective tricks is to overload our lives with good intentions and worthy tasks, so much so that we're left with no time for the best—our time with God. This strategy is effective because it feeds on our desire to be productive, to contribute, and to be seen as valuable in the eyes of the world and, ironically, in the eyes of the church.
The distinction between being busy for God and being too busy to spend time with Him can sometimes blur. However, 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to "be sober-minded; be watchful," for our adversary prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. In the context of our busy lives, this verse reminds us that vigilance is key. We must be watchful of how our time is spent and ensure that our busyness does not become a tool in the devil's hands, pulling us away from God.
The Importance of Prioritizing God in Our Busy Lives
The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who, despite their pressing responsibilities, prioritized their relationship with God. Daniel, despite his high-ranking position in a foreign kingdom, made it a point to pray three times a day (Daniel 6:10). Jesus Himself, in the midst of His ministry, frequently withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16).
Matthew 6:33 instructs us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This verse is a powerful antidote to the illusion of busyness. It assures us that when we prioritize God and His kingdom, He takes care of our needs. This doesn't imply that our responsibilities will vanish, but it does mean that our perspective on these responsibilities will shift. We will begin to see our activities through the lens of God’s kingdom, which brings clarity and purpose to our busyness.
Practical Steps to Give Time to God
Integrating spiritual practices into a busy schedule might seem daunting, but it is far from impossible. Here are some practical steps to ensure that, despite the demands of life, we give time to God:
Start Your Day with God: Dedicate the first moments of your day to prayer and reading the Bible. This sets the tone for the day and aligns your thoughts with God’s.
Utilize Technology: With countless Bible apps and devotionals, you can meditate on God’s Word anytime, anywhere.
Pray Continuously: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to "pray without ceasing." Prayer doesn’t have to be a scheduled event; it can be a constant conversation with God throughout your day.
Incorporate Worship into Daily Activities: Listening to worship music or sermons while commuting or doing chores can turn mundane tasks into moments of worship.
Join a Faith Community: Being part of a small group or church community provides accountability and encouragement to prioritize your spiritual life.
Psalm 46:10 urges us to "be still, and know that I am God." In the constant buzz of our lives, finding moments of stillness to reflect on God’s greatness and to listen to His voice is essential. Similarly, Joshua 1:8 emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's Word day and night, ensuring that it guides our actions and decisions.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Committed
Despite our best intentions, there will be days when we fail to give time to God. On such days, it's crucial to remember Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." This verse reminds us that our ability to remain committed to our spiritual practices does not come from our own strength, but from God's power within us.
Feeling overwhelmed or guilty for not spending "enough" time with God is common. However, it's crucial to approach our spiritual journey with grace rather than guilt. God understands our hearts and our circumstances. Remember, it's not about the quantity of time but the quality of our engagement with Him. Every moment spent in prayer, in reading the Word, or in silent meditation is precious.
Encouragement to persist in faith and practice comes from understanding that our relationship with God is a journey, not a destination. Just as relationships with loved ones deepen over time, so does our relationship with God. It grows through consistent, albeit small, investments of time and through the experiences of seeing God's faithfulness in our lives.
Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject
As we conclude, it's essential to remember that the devil's trick of making us believe we are too busy for God is just that—a trick. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, amid His teachings, healings, and travels, always found time to withdraw and commune with the Father. If the Son of God prioritized time with God, how much more should we?
James 4:8 offers a profound promise, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." This verse encapsulates the essence of our discussion. The initiative we take to carve out time for God, no matter how busy our lives seem, is met with the overwhelming grace and presence of God drawing closer to us.
As readers of this blog, I invite you to reflect on your daily routines and identify moments that can be dedicated to God. Whether it's waking up a few minutes earlier to pray, listening to a Bible app while commuting, or simply being mindful of God's presence throughout your day, every step taken towards God is rewarded with His incomparable peace and presence in your life.
Let us not fall prey to the devil's deception that we are too busy for God. Instead, let's remember that in the busyness of life, our time with God is what grounds us, gives our lives purpose, and fills us with strength to face each day. In making time for God, we find our truest fulfillment and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
I pray that this exploration encourages and inspires you to seek God earnestly, despite the demands of life. Remember, in the kingdom of God, there is always time for what matters most—our relationship with our Heavenly Father.