What does the Bible say about busyness / being too busy?

Answer

In our fast-paced postmodern society, renowned for its constant activity and its growing capacity for immediate delivery, we often find ourselves rushed more than our predecessors could have ever envisioned. We have progressed significantly from the days of horse-drawn carriages, and as a result, our twenty-four hours feel increasingly limited. It seems like we never have sufficient time to complete all our desired or necessary tasks, and the clock continues ticking. Amidst adhering to a 1,500-calorie diet, fetching the kids from soccer practice, and ensuring our car insurance remains up to date, we can inadvertently lose sight of what truly matters. We transform into automatons swiftly transitioning from one obligation to the next. We are overburdened, overwhelmed, and spiritually malnourished. Our society promotes a culture of “bigger and better” and subtly urges us to keep pace. Phew! Who established these regulations anyway? Satan delights in keeping us constantly striving to outpace time. By diverting our attention, he can diminish our effectiveness for the Kingdom of God. Satan may be the Prince of Darkness, but he also reigns as the Duke of Distraction.

As followers of Christ, we must resist being carried away by the prevailing cultural pressure. Romans 12:2 advises, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

The Bible emphasizes the importance of rest and tranquil living. During His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself occasionally withdrew from the hustle and bustle of the crowds to rejuvenate His spirit. Mark 6:31 recounts, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to [His disciples], ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” It is challenging, if not impossible, for us to discern God’s gentle, quiet voice amidst the clamor of 21st-century society, so, like Jesus, we must prioritize moments of solitude and reflection.

Take time to rest and hear from our Lord.

A great example of the consequences of busyness is showcased in Luke 10:38–42: “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”

If we are honest, most of the time we resemble Martha more than Mary. We rush around doing “what needs to be done,” while missing the glimpses of Jesus all around us. As difficult as it is, and as contrary to our culture as it is, we must intentionally make the effort to slow down and model Mary because, as Jesus Himself said, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Philippians 4:6–7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We must be intentional about making time to rest in Jesus. Let the phone ring, the chores can wait, and social media could use a break. Those things are not eternal. Jesus is eternal. Let us make the effort to sit at His feet and enjoy Him rather than miss Him like Martha did because she was fussing over the dishes. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”