Is busyness the enemy of intimacy with God?
In today's fast-paced world, we often equate busyness with productivity and purpose.
However, when life becomes too crowded with responsibilities, even noble ones, our intimacy with God usually suffers. Scripture and stories throughout the Bible show us that busyness, especially when not spirit-led, can be a serious barrier to deep communion with God.
The Martha Syndrome, Doing Without Dwelling One of the clearest biblical illustrations of how busyness can harm intimacy with God is the story of Martha and Mary, Luke 10 verses 38-42.
When Jesus visited their home, Martha became distracted with the preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. Frustrated, Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but He gently corrected her.
Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, Luke 10 verses 41-42. This story reveals a hidden truth, not all services are equal.
Martha was not rebuked for working, but for allowing her busyness to replace what was most important, relationship. Her work for Jesus distracted her from being with Jesus.
The Hidden Danger, Spiritual Drift One lesson from Martha's story is that spiritual drift often happens subtly.
We may be doing good things, serving in church, helping others, building careers, but our hearts can grow distant from God. Without regular, intentional time in His presence, we begin to function in our strength, not His.
Another biblical example is King Solomon.
Early in his life, he walked closely with God,
receiving divine wisdom and building the temple, 1 Kings 3-6. But over time, his attention shifted. He busied himself with political alliances, multiple marriages, and grand construction projects.
Eventually, his heart turned from God. His heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, 1 Kings 11 verse 4. Busyness, even when successful and admired, can lead to spiritual compromise if God is no longer central.
Jesus Rhythm, Solitude Before Service Jesus modeled a life of deep intimacy with the Father, often withdrawing to lonely places to pray, Luke 5 verse 16. Despite having only three years of public ministry, He never rushed. He chose intimacy with the Father over the applause of crowds.
Before calling the twelve disciples, He spent the night in prayer, Luke 6 verses 12-13. The hidden lesson here is powerful. Effectiveness in the kingdom begins with time alone with God. Jesus shows us that rest and communion with the Father fuel real ministry.
Stillness is a form of worship.
As Psalm 46 verse 10 says, Be still and know that I am God.
Stillness allows us to know God more deeply. Busyness does not equal faithfulness. Like Martha, we must choose the better portion. Guard your devotional life. Without intentional time with God, even spiritual activities can become hollow.
Choose intimacy over activity. Busyness is not inherently sinful, but when it replaces intimacy with God, it becomes a subtle enemy of the soul. Like Mary, we must learn to sit at Jesus' feet and choose what is better.
In a world that celebrates hustle, may we remember that the deepest work is done not in our striving, but in stillness before our Savior.
Stay Blessed.
