Busyness: The Thief of Joy

Ever since Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 last Monday to capture the program’s first national championship since 1989, Wolverine fans have lived in a relatively constant state of bliss and euphoria.

It would seem that the prolonged state of excitement and joy, however, hasn't been shared by the program’s head coach.

Before Michigan had even finished its postgame festivities at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, head coach Dusty May was already thinking and planning about the transfer portal, which had opened up before he even left the building. 

The frenetic pace and constant movement in the new college basketball landscape have created an interesting and stressful dynamic for coaches who dare to enter it.

Things move so quickly and change so drastically that it has become increasingly difficult for coaches, players, and programs to slow down long enough to appreciate any meaningful accomplishments they may have achieved. 

Speaking with 247Sports one week after his team cut down the nets in Indianapolis, May commented, “It's almost impossible to even enjoy it. There is no time. There's just not—if you want to be good next year. If you're okay just taking a big step back, then you can go on the circuit and the tour and the golf outings and the speaking engagements. But if you want to win again now, it's a very important time.”

In another interview with CBS Sports earlier this week, May elaborated on how the busyness and the stress of keeping up with a chaotic schedule have robbed him of some of the joy of winning a championship.

He said, “I'd heard where you climb the ladder, and you say, 'Is this really it?' And it was worse. It was less than 'it.'”

Like many college sports fans, I hope the NCAA eventually changes its rules to make the yearly calendar less stressful and disjointed for everyone involved.

But in the meantime, May’s recent experience serves as a painful reminder of how unhealthy busyness can rob us of some of our joy.

As followers of Jesus, we would never deny that God has called us to put our faith into action. Laziness is unequivocally seen as a sin throughout the pages of Scripture, which means that we must never become idle as we serve the Lord.

However, this certainly doesn’t mean we should swing too far to the other side of the spectrum, making ourselves so busy that we never take the time to slow down, enjoy communion with the Lord, seek Him for strength, and cultivate gratitude for all that He’s done in our lives.

While it isn’t wrong for us to desire to accomplish great things for the Lord, we must always remember that we will never be able to achieve anything of lasting substance apart from His help.

Psalm 127:1 (NIV) reminds us, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”

In John 15:4-5 (ESV), Jesus told His followers, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Giving ourselves busy schedules that are devoid of intentional time to rest in the Lord and to pray to Him for strength and effectiveness only leaves us like a hamster on a wheel. Sure, we can run with all of our might, but we will never really go anywhere.

We must remember that while we express faithfulness to God by working diligently for Him, we also express it by avoiding unwise busyness to focus our hearts and minds on Him. 

In the story of Mary and Martha recorded in Luke 10, Martha became upset with her sister because she wasn't working as hard as she was to serve Jesus in their home. Instead, Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him.

And although Martha’s desire to serve isn't considered sinful or evil, Jesus does make it abundantly clear that she missed out on the most important thing:

“But the Lord answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41:42; NASB).

Busying ourselves with tasks might sometimes make us feel more productive, but it often ends up being the very thing that keeps us from being as fruitful and joyful as God would desire. 

Today, let's slow down and make sure we take the time we need to rest in the Lord and seek His strength. Let's also take time to celebrate with thankfulness and gratitude for all the wonderful things God has done in our lives, and to find enjoyment in all He has accomplished.

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for not being as intentional in spending time with You as I should. Please give me ample strength so that I can produce much fruit for Your glory in the tasks I take on. Thank you for all of the amazing things You’ve already done in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.