Beating Busyness

Why Am I So Busy?

Many people are acutely aware that their lives are out of balance. Some people will tell you that they have too much to do and not enough time in which to do it. Others will say that they are not doing enough and if just one more task could be completed then they would rest. Still others will share that they have a “Martha” personality and that things only get done when they do it, for the “Mary” personality will not help (Luke 10:38-42). Our culture promotes busyness at work, home and even during leisure time. We are required to do more with less and do it better than last year or the year before. But Scripture tells us that all our busy rushing to and fro ends in nothing (Psalm 39:5-7), and that we are not to wear ourselves out trying to get rich (Proverbs 23:4).

What Can I Do About It?

Quite simply, you must rest and abide in Christ to manage busyness. He invites you to shed the world’s unnecessary hustle and bustle by making Him your No. 1 priority (Matthew 11:28-30). He will help you set realistic expectations and develop personal strategies to help you rest. Here are a few for your consideration:

1. Make a deliberate choice to try unhurried approaches to work, relationships and life. Be purposeful in your choices–selecting creative activities that do not require an outpouring of immense levels of energy.

2. Pay particular attention to the management of your time. Consider using a daily planning system to keep track of priorities, schedules and appointments. Before you leap to complete a task, take a few moments to think about its true priority. Does it need to be done right at this moment, or is there something else on your list that should come first?

3. Develop a Godly sense of humor to slow down and keep things in perspective (Proverbs 17:22). A good laugh now and then is therapeutic and releases endorphins (natural stress relievers).

One of the most beautiful examples of rest is described in Psalm 23. As you meditate on this Psalm, picture yourself lying in green meadows, safely resting in God and enjoying the benefits of His protection and provision. There’s no busyness in this picture. All your burning questions have been answered.

Resources:

Managing Your Busyness Tool
http://christiancareertools.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/busyness-tool.pdf