Too Busy for God

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” -- Matthew 11:28-29

With the celebration of Labor Day, the summer season has unofficially ended. It’s time for the kids to
return to their classrooms. Afterschool activities and weekend ball games will fill our calendars, squeezed between the adult work schedules and home responsibilities. As we fall back into our busy routines, we begin to feel the crunch of keeping track of everything we need or want to do. 

Living in today’s hurried world means keeping up with not only the Joneses, but also the Smiths, Johnsons, and Millers. We run in circles trying to beat the clock and must choose which task or activity is more important. In the process, something will be pushed aside, effectively deeming it less important. Too often, that something is the Lord.

As Christians, we can’t let ourselves be swept away from God by busyness. Crowding too many distractions into our day not only brings us unnecessary stress but leaves us spiritually undernourished. We need time alone with the Lord to replenish our souls. He alone can bring us the peace and rest that we so desperately need. Until we can shut out the noise of the world around us, we will not be able to hear God’s still, quiet voice.

When we find ourselves pressed against the wall by the demands on our time, we should remember the scripture in Luke 10:41-42 as Jesus answered Martha when she complained about Mary resting at His feet rather than helping her in the kitchen: “…Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Choosing God first will bring peace to our hearts and strength to complete all of our daily tasks with a calmer attitude. In the words of Dr. Charles Stanley, “God will never give us a schedule that is so full that there is no time for Him.”

Dear Lord,
Thank You for providing rest and peace from the burdens of this world.