In a world of email and Internet, faxes and Federal Express, we have become a very busy people. Our minds are constantly being bombarded from so many directions, creating in us a sense of urgency.
Busyness, for many, can actually be just as numbing as a drug or stiff drink. With our minds so distracted with doing things, we can easily stuff those anxious thoughts into a mental drawer to deal with later, with hopes of them just going away altogether. Yet, the consequences of our busyness create a never-ending cycle of anxiety.
Is it possible to slow down and “smell the roses”? I believe it is. The distraction of busyness has been my anesthesia for many years. Even as I write this, I’m on a plane returning to Dallas from a business trip. I’ll go back to work for a couple of days, while spending my evenings shooting video for a television show. On top of all that, I have to prepare for my trip to Germany on Monday.
While I don’t think it is wrong to be busy, an overloaded schedule with unbalanced priorities can be unhealthy–physically and mentally.
Is there hope? Is there a solution? If I, Mr. Daytimer, can “still myself” in the bedlam of my busyness, then I know you can as well. In fact, I believe God calls us to be still. It is in that stillness that he “speaks” to our hearts and gives us a peace that passes all understanding. Listen for God’s heart on this subject:
“Be still I know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10a).
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
“Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him” (Psalms 37:7a).
“My soul finds rest in God alone” (Psalm 62:1).
Peace really is possible. Don’t let the busyness of life steal from you. Don’t let it take your time with God or your peace of mind. Slow down and rest. If you have to, schedule it. Make time to “be still”, and let the Lord “quiet you with his love” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Prayer: Father, teach me to wait on you. Help me to be still in the midst of a fast-paced world. I want to rest in you–in your arms of peace.
