In everyday conversations, we often hear the phrase, “I am too busy. I simply do not have the time to fit this into my schedule!” And habitually a busy mom would add, “I do not even have time for myself!”
The sad reality is that we often forget God in the craziness of our busy lives, thus keeping us from experiencing valued time with our Father. If we are not watchful, even our good works and deeds become seasoned with worry and anxiety, leaving little to no space for joy and pleasure that ought to be exuded from us as God intended.
If our busyness is to please the world, with too many responsibilities laid on us, it can steal our joy and make us more prone to anxiety, resentment, impatience and irritability.
God wants worshippers before workers; indeed the only acceptable workers are those
who have learned the lost art of worship. – A. W. Tozer
A Biblical example
In Luke 10:38-42, there is a perfect example of the life of a busy person and the life of a person who made time to sit quietly and experience Jesus. Jesus and the disciples came to a village where a woman welcomed them into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down at the feet of Jesus, absorbing every word He shared. But Martha became frustrated with the household chores she had to finish in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
To experience the joy that a full life has to offer, let us make the choice daily to fill our schedule with moments where we take the necessary time to focus on Jesus. As we begin to centre our daily activities on obedience to the Word of God, we realise that all work is joyful when it is done to glorify our Lord.
Practical help
Below are practical ways to help you, like Mary, ‘to choose the good part’:
1. Write down a list of activities that daily occupy your schedule and prayerfully decide how you can free up some time to spend with Jesus alone.
2. Meditate (‘continually think and ponder upon it’) on the following verses and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where your activities stem from. Is it an overflow of your love for Jesus? Or are you striving to prove your love for Him in the presence of other people?
One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4).
‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ (Mark 12:30).
3. Take time in prayer to sit at the feet of Jesus. Reflect on His character and who He is. If you struggle to do this, you may consider thinking about His names and how each one applies to you. Consider reading the article, Honouring Jesus – the I AM to learn more about what Jesus says about Himself.
4. Listen to Jesus. Take time to listen to Him and allow Him to speak to you. Ask Him to reveal the secrets of His heart to you.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63).
5. Rise above the pursuits and demands of this life and seek the things that are of eternal value. Pursue fellowship with the Lord.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8).
6. Take heed to yourself and do not compare yourself with someone else. Always keep the Lord’s words that He speaks to you close to your heart.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7).
7. Beware of the cares of the world. Do not get wrapped up in all the things you need to do or the things that need to be accomplished that you lose sight of who is most important – Jesus.
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22).
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29).
8. Avoid setting the Lord’s work or any other aspiration as a priority over the Lord’s presence.
