In this world, we are required to be many things and to do many things. We are required to function in various capacities, especially as women, and even more so if we are married or married with children. In this world, busyness is often seen as a requirement.
Recently, I came across this quote by John C. Maxwell:
“The greatest enemy of good thinking is busyness.”
It inspired me to “coin” my own:
“Busyness is a delusion concocted by our brain to make us feel relevant and accepted.”
Another saying, whose author I am unsure of, states:
“All of man’s problems come from his inability to sit still.”
Sitting still not only refers to being physically still, as God instructed us in the book of Joshua, but also to calming our minds and our preoccupations.
My second son reminds me so much of myself when I was growing up. The description I’m about to share admittedly followed me into adulthood, which is why I often sit him down to discuss this shortcoming and encourage him to practice stillness—not just sitting still, but a stillness that encompasses his whole being, quieting his mind and resting.
What am I talking about?
I’m talking about our shared tendency—his and mine—to insist on having our way, being impulsive, not thinking things through, and failing to recognize that consequences are more significant than decisions. As Dr. Myles Munroe said, “Consequences are more important than decisions.” These behavioral patterns are not unique to us but are part of the delusional busyness we often create in our lives.
Recently, my son got caught up in the idea of trading items. He had a working iPhone but wanted to trade it for a Samsung Galaxy. If you’re familiar with phones, your first question might be, “Who trades a Samsung for an iPhone?” You might reason that some people prefer iPhones, but in my opinion, a Samsung is far more user-friendly and versatile. I say this as someone who owns an iPhone.
I could see from the start that he was about to become the brunt of someone else’s selfishness. Despite my subtle reminders that “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” he was determined to go through with the trade. To make a long story short, he ignored the signs and the uneasy feelings and ended up with a phone he couldn’t use. It left him feeling silly and frustrated, a direct result of his impulsiveness and need to fix something that wasn’t broken.
But I believe that God, in His mercy, stepped in. Miraculously, my son was able to get his original phone back because the person he traded with started experiencing issues and willingly returned it. When God intervenes, it’s an opportunity to learn the lesson.
Why does God tell us to be still? The Bible is filled with verses about stillness:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7)
“The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14)
“And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‘Peace, be still.’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, for He gives His beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)
The words “still” and “rest” are often interchangeable in Scripture, emphasizing their significance. In God’s Kingdom, busyness is nonexistent. If God repeatedly instructs us to be still and rest, it must mean that it is good for us.
In contrast, in Satan’s world, we are kept busy—distracted from what truly matters. As Christians, it is imperative to quiet our lives so we can hear our Father’s voice—His instructions, His next move for us.
When we are still, we can hear God reminding us:
“If it is not broken, my beloved, it is not necessary to fix it.”
“When you worry, you’re caught up in the world’s busyness.”
“When you feel the need to do more, it’s the delusion that busyness makes you more accepted.”
“When you take your eyes off Me, you are heading toward destruction.”
Stillness allows us to rest in God and gain the peace that surpasses all understanding. It strengthens us to stand firm against life’s storms. Satan’s goal is to distract us with busyness, but God offers us rest and clarity if we choose to abide in Him.
Will you allow the tempest to overcome you, or will you find strength in stillness? The choice is yours. Only by resting in God and fixing your eyes on Him can you withstand the storms of life.
