When Busyness Looks like Business

Everyone understands the value of hard work. Staying active fills, a void for many people—whether they are accomplishing anything or not. Some people fill their time with distractions to escape unpleasant thoughts or feelings. There is nothing wrong with staying busy. But the question needs to be: Busy doing what?

Jesus had a busy ministry, often working day and night. But he also took time to rest. When he and his disciples were overwhelmed by the number of people coming to see them to the point that they did not even have a break to eat, Jesus told them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Resting benefits the body, mind, and soul. But rest also benefits our minds. A rested brain also stimulates creativity, introspection, and memory.

Jesus invites anyone who is burdened or weary to come to him to find rest for our souls, because his “yoke is easy and [his] burden is light.” Jesus also gives us the promise of peace. The Lord describes the fruit of righteousness as peace, producing “quietness and confidence forever.”

Through prayer, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving, we endeavor to “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” A healthy work-life balance does not balance busyness and bustle but productivity and peace.