Lessons in Busyness

I learned something about myself this week—my “state of busy” is just a big head-game. When Pastor announced a few weeks ago that we would be fasting busyness as a congregation, I was sincerely excited. I was desperately in need of a reason to decrease my mindless doing and more than happy to start removing the self-proclaimed time killers from my daily activity. What I thought was going to be easy sailing turned out to be a major eye opener.

Before Pastor even finished explaining the fast, I started jotting down a list of the activities that I believed were sucking the hours out of my life. Out the door went Facebook, Pinterest, the news, my immediate response to phone notifications and unnecessary Amazon searches. According to my calculations, removing just those activities would have gained me at least 2-3 hours a day. As Pastor continued to explain how we would be filling our newfound hours with being more aware of the needs of those around us, my excitement escalated. A desire to be more present had been pressing on my heart for months; but every time I tried to act on it, my busyness blocked the way.

Coming off our 60 hours of unified prayer, Day 1 of the fast from busyness was exhilarating. I filled my newly accumulated hours with family time and prayer. I tried to find ways to get out and let the Lord open my eyes to those needing a little salt. I felt like the fruit of the Spirit was spewing out of me. Today is Day 9 and the story has changed a bit. All the extra hours I had a week ago are gone. My forbidden list of activities are still cast out of my day, but the busyness is creeping right back in. Lord, what is going on?

Over the course of the week, I let my eye slip off the prize here and there. Looking back, I see where the pressing of spiritual warfare crept in without me even noticing. I see where I grew a little weary and neglected to hand the struggle to the Lord. I see instances where I let my imagination run away with me. Instead of being present in the moment, I was lost in my head thinking about things I can’t control or things I don’t need. They were all little things, but they added up and drained the hours out of my day. I was letting my flesh start a battle. 2 Cor 10:3-5 reminds us that “though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

It’s not the tangible activities that steel my time from the Lord, it’s my mind. Things like social media and the news feed my mind, so yes, removing them is extremely helpful; but ultimately, I must wage war against my flesh and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. When the enemy attempts to slip stumbling blocks in my path, I must be in tune with the Spirit and notice them faster before I let them carry me away. The Lord has given us every weapon we need to pull down the strongholds. It is our job to get focused and tap into the power He has provided. This is not a time to let our guard down. Falling asleep on the job is not an option. There are people that need to be set free with the truth, and it is our responsibility to get the gospel to them.

Lord, help me keep my head in Your game. Give me the wisdom and discernment that I need daily to see the battle ahead of me and keep my eyes set on You. Give me a revelation of the time I waste on carnal thoughts and show me how to bring them captive to You. Teach me to redirect my extra hours to activities that glorify You and Your kingdom. In Jesus Name.