I’ve been hearing people say over and over, “I’m too busy” “We wish we could, but we’ve got something going on”. I wonder, why are we Americans SO busy? What’s the point, really? Going at breakneck speed drains us, stresses us out, makes us grumpy—or at least it does me!
How can I reasonably expect to hear God’s voice if my head is overloaded with stuff? My to do list, my fears, worries, prayers? My head is overflowing with noisy thoughts! I believe I need to go on a walk, dump out all my feelings, thoughts, concerns, you-name-it. And then wait. And wait some more. God is not going to jump in my head when a few seconds opens a space. I believe He’ll wait ‘til I have a receptive heart. And I think to have that, I need to clear my head first. Sometimes, I think God speaks to our hearts through our heads. So, ergo, if my head is overflowing, how can I possibly hear God’s voice? I need to make room for Him. So, I need to get rid of stuff in my head first. I need to invite Him in so that I can listen to Him, not for me to dump all my stuff on His lap. (Although at times, that’s a good idea too!)
Sometimes I wonder: “What if, every God-fearing person really slowed down and listened to God’s voice and actually did that crazy thing they heard in their head?” Like, give $20 to that homeless man? Or join that mentoring teen program? Start a non-profit to bring shoes to shoe-less kids in Haiti? Or to collect all their neighborhoods’ unused items and reuse, or give them to Goodwill, or to orphans in another country? Foster a child. Adopt an orphan. Go use your talents/skills and help provide clean water to the millions who don’t enjoy fresh, clean, uncontaminated water like we Americans do. Or whatever the crazy idea. It’s probably not that crazy and maybe God is calling YOU to do that idea. Everyone can have their own corner of “Crazy for God.”
This ties in with another thought about why we don’t do those ideas listed above.
“I’m too busy” “I wouldn’t know where to start” “I can’t do that!.” “What would so n-so think?” Most of our excuses our fear-based, not love-based. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, that “For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind” (KJV) Shouldn’t I be motivated by the love of God? He is the One who first loved me (1 John 4:19) 1 John 3:18 states, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth”. My love for others must be put into action. I know some are saying, “But I’m (we’re) just too busy!” Was Jesus “just too busy” to stop and help, heal, pray, or give? I don’t think so. Maybe we should stop and adjust our priorities. I know I have to at times! I don’t presume to say I’ve got my act together!
Our culture doesn’t help-it keeps pushing us to go, go, go and never slow down! I for one remember a time when Sundays were really a day of rest. NO, I’m not 100 years old, but old enough to remember stores being closed on Sundays. I for one, would support any team or league that purposefully CHOSE to NOT have games on Sundays. I’m just saying you might want to consider that. Jesus was never hurried or rushed. He didn’t say, “Aw, come on Peter, James, & John! I have to finish this, and get moving. So hurry up!”
Here’s one take away point: quit one activity this week. If you’re in your car driving your kids around, try and carpool with one of the other parents. Trade off babysitting It worked great for ours and another couples’ marriage. No money involved and our kids loved it! And it help keep our marriage healthy and happy. Win win!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pam Bass is a wife, mom, and licensed Christian counselor, who has helped hundreds of people over the last 23 years. She desires wives especially to be cognizant of the way the American culture can influence our stated Christian values. Through her blog, she hopes to encourage women (in particular) to know and trust what God tells us in His word. Find out more at www.pambass.com