“Busyness is the enemy of spirituality.”
Eugene Petersen
Last week’s post discussed how shame is a barrier to hearing God’s voice. Knowing that God likes to be with us even in our vulnerable, sinful state helps resolve that problem. Another hindrance to hearing God’s voice is our busyness, which leads to hurry sickness. I once heard Elisabeth Elliott say, “If Satan can’t get us to sin, he’ll keep us busy.” I used to live under the lie that if it’s not productive, it’s a waste of time, and that perpetuated my busyness.
There is a Swahili proverb that says, Hurry, hurry, no blessing. Always being in a hurry causes stress and prevents us from being aware of God and others around us, but it’s at a slower pace that God appears, and we can hear His voice. Instead of having a jam-packed schedule and rushing from one commitment to another, try having fewer obligations and more margin in your life. Try slowing your pace, being more intentional to be present, and fully enjoying what you’re doing and the people you are with.
Hurry is the enemy of presence. When we rush through life, we forgo being fully “there” with others and God. In so doing, we miss the nuances of God’s presence and hearing His voice. If we’re in a rush, we will miss what God wants to show us and what we need to see. Ephesians 5:15-17 challenges us. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
In his book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer writes: “The solution to an over-busy life is not more time. It’s to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters. To walk with Jesus is to walk with a slow, unhurried pace.” We want to walk next to Jesus, not run ahead of Him or lag behind.
The solution to our busyness and hurried, breathless lifestyle is to slow down and make what matters most to God a priority. Create space for God to show up in your life and for you to become more aware of His voice and presence.
“Busyness does not mean you are a faithful or fruitful Christian. It only means you are busy, just like everyone else. And like everyone else, your joy, your heart and soul are in danger.”
Kevin DeYoung
Relevant Reflections:
What choices can you make to purposefully slow down and have less responsibility to make space to listen to God’s voice?
Image by heeyeon Sun from Pixabay
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