Today, let’s talk about something that we all struggle with—busyness.
It’s like that friend who always shows up uninvited, and before you know it, you’re overwhelmed and spiritually drained.
Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty, constantly busy, but not really achieving anything meaningful? I get it.
We live in a world that glorifies busyness, but as Christians, we need to be aware of how the enemy uses this to keep us distracted and spiritually drained.
(At the end of the page you can download a printable version of this devotional along with study and reflection questions!)
The Trap of Busyness
Busyness is like a trap that the enemy sets for us. It’s sneaky because being busy can feel productive.
Our schedules are packed, we’re always on the go, and there’s always something that needs our attention.
But here’s the thing—being busy doesn’t always mean we’re being effective. In fact, it often means the opposite.
The enemy loves to keep us busy because it keeps us from focusing on what’s truly important: our relationship with God.
When we’re constantly distracted by our to-do lists, work obligations, social commitments, and even church activities, we can lose sight of spending quality time with God.
Mary and Martha: A Lesson in Priorities
Remember the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42?
It’s a perfect illustration of how busyness can distract us from what really matters.
Martha was busy preparing the house and the meal for Jesus. She was doing good work, but she was so focused on her tasks that she missed the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him.
Meanwhile, her sister Mary chose to sit with Jesus and soak in His words.
When Martha complained to Jesus, He gently reminded her that Mary had chosen the better part, which wouldn’t be taken away from her.
This story teaches us that while our tasks and responsibilities are important, they should never take precedence over our relationship with Jesus.
We need to find a balance and make sure that we’re not letting our busyness overshadow our time with God.
The Spiritual Cost of Busyness
When we’re constantly busy, our spiritual health takes a hit. Here are a few ways busyness can affect us spiritually:
- Neglecting Prayer and Bible Study: When our schedules are packed, it’s easy to push prayer and Bible study to the back burner. But spending time in God’s Word and in prayer is essential for our spiritual growth.
- Lack of Rest: God created us to need rest. In Genesis, we see that even God rested on the seventh day. When we’re always busy, we often neglect rest, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
- Reduced Fellowship: Being busy can also mean that we don’t have time for fellowship with other believers. This fellowship is crucial for encouragement, accountability, and growth in our faith.
- Increased Stress and Anxiety: Constant busyness can lead to stress and anxiety, which can distract us from trusting in God’s plan and provision.
Recognizing the Enemy’s Tactics
The enemy is cunning, and he knows that if he can keep us busy, he can keep us from growing spiritually.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil.
This means that we need to be aware of the enemy’s tactics and be proactive in countering them.
One of the enemy’s favorite strategies is to make us feel like we have to do everything ourselves.
He whispers lies like, “If you don’t do it, no one else will,” or “You’re not doing enough.”
These lies can make us feel overwhelmed and guilty, driving us to fill our schedules even more.
Practical Steps to Combat Busyness
So, how do we combat busyness and ensure that we’re staying spiritually healthy? Here are a few practical steps:
Prioritize Your Time with God:
Make spending time with God a non-negotiable part of your day. Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, set aside time to read the Bible, pray, and simply be in God’s presence.
Learn to Say No:
It’s okay to say no to certain commitments, especially if they’re taking away from your time with God and your spiritual well-being. Ask God for wisdom to know what to say yes to and what to decline.
Schedule Rest:
Just like you schedule meetings and appointments, schedule time for rest. Take a Sabbath day to recharge and spend quality time with God and loved ones.
Simplify Your Life:
Evaluate your commitments and activities. Are there things you can let go of to create more margin in your life? Simplifying your schedule can help you focus on what truly matters.
Seek Accountability:
Find a friend or a small group who can hold you accountable in maintaining a healthy balance. Share your struggles and pray for each other.
Practice Mindfulness:
Throughout your day, take moments to pause and reflect on God’s presence. This can be as simple as a quick prayer or a moment of gratitude.
Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to come to Him when we’re weary and burdened, promising us rest for our souls.
This invitation is a reminder that we don’t have to carry the weight of busyness on our own. Jesus offers us a lighter yoke and a gentler burden.
When we prioritize our relationship with God, we find peace in the midst of chaos. We learn to trust in His timing and His plans, rather than relying on our own strength.
We become more attuned to His voice and His guidance, which helps us navigate our busy lives with grace and purpose.
Busyness is a common struggle, but it’s not something we have to accept as a normal part of life.
By recognizing the enemy’s tactics and taking practical steps to prioritize our spiritual health, we can combat the distraction of busyness.
Let’s commit to making our relationship with God our top priority, finding rest in His presence, and trusting in His plans for our lives.
Remember, friends, it’s not about doing more; it’s about being more—more present, more intentional, and more connected to God.
Let’s embrace the peace that comes from slowing down and focusing on what truly matters.
You can download a printable pdf version of this devotional along with 5 study and 5 reflection questions to further study this topic.
