Submitted by Pastor Brad Dush, Fairfax Methodist Church

When asked how things are going, have you ever responded with something like, “busy?” Just this past week, a dear friend called to visit with me and asked this very question, and I said, “busy.” I then proceeded to go into detail about all the things keeping me busy. In many ways, it seems we are busier today than 20 years ago. I have been part of conversations where people try to outbusy each other. There are people who wear it as a badge of honor and brag about how busy they are. However, all that busyness can lead to anxiety, especially when we experience slower times. We are unsure what to do when there are fewer demands on our time. Something is to be said about taking things slower and resting, especially in God.

We don’t realize it initially, but this busyness can become a burden. Pretty soon, life has a way of weighing us down. Life gets so busy we are unsure what to do next, so we stay busy. We get to a point where the busy becomes a comfort because we feel we are accomplishing something. Sometimes we are accomplishing something; other times, all we accomplish is being busy for busy’s sake. Our bodies, minds, and souls were all meant to experience rest.

Life is full of things to be busy with, but resting in God is a good thing. In Matthew 11:28-30 we read, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” I have heard some people teach this by referring to it as a “Jesus Vacation,” implying a burden-free life if we choose Jesus. When Jesus clearly says, “Take my yoke . . . For my yoke.” Jesus doesn’t free us from a yoke; Jesus shares His yoke. He does the heavy lifting. Life will have burdens and be busy, but we must seek rest in God, and in doing so, our burdens become less busy and more fulfilling. Give your body, mind, and soul the rest it craves and needs by resting in God. 1 Peter 5:6-7 reminds us, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” Be busy with the musts and find time to rest!