GOD'S ANSWER TO BUSYNESS
Psalm 23:2
We can use our busyness as a type of self-medication to help us avoid the hard things in life.
Luke 10:38–42 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Many of us have let our so called “busyness” become the master of our life rather than the Lord.
Satan convinces us to get so busy going and doing, that we get distracted from doing the right things.
The "Am I Too Busy?" Quiz
1. I often commit to things before I know how much time or energy it will require.
o Yes o No
2. I am always tired and never feel like I’ve accomplished enough at the end of the day.
o Yes o No
3. If I do schedule a day off, I end up filling it with other activities.
o Yes o No
4. I have difficulty saying “No" (to things or people)
o Yes o No
5. I keep adding more to my “to do list” before I’ve finished what already on it.
o Yes o No
6. I find myself constantly wishing I had more time.
o Yes o No
7. I feel powerless over my time and commitments.
o Yes o No
8. Other’s complain that my schedule doesn’t allow enough time for them.
o Yes o No
9. I regularly feel like I’m doing things for everyone else, but never get to do what I want.
o Yes o No
Psalm 127:2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
Psalm 23:2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters of rest."
Our Shepherd makes us to lie down
The presence of the shepherd calms the fears of the sheep.
Philippians 4:6–7 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Our Shepherd causes us to lie down satisfied
Fearful worry and lack of time in God’s Word will needlessly rob us of peace.
Our Shepherd leads us
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Our Shepherd leads us beside quite waters of rest.
John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
REALIZE MY WORTH
Busyness does not = godliness and busyness does not define your worth.
Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Matthew 10:29-31 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Isaiah 49:15-16 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. 16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
ENJOY WHAT I ALREADY HAVE
Eccl. 3:13 "All of us should... enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift."
LIMIT MY BUSYNESS
1) Rest my body.
2) Recharge your emotions.
3) You need to refocus your spirit.
The Bible calls this worship.
ADJUST MY VALUES
In order to reduce busyness in my life I must change my thinking about what is important.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
Mark 8:36 "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"
EXCHANGE MY PRESSURE FOR GOD'S PEACE
There are three kinds of fatigue:
There is physical fatigue
There is emotional fatigue
There is spiritual fatigue
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Matthew 11:28–29 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
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