Finding God’s Rhythm: Navigating Busy Seasons with Grace

Alan Orcutt | Operations and Special Projects Manager

In our fast-paced world of business and life, it's easy to confuse being busy with being hurried. However, as Christian businesspeople, we must know and pay attention to the difference between the two. There is a distinction between being busy and fruitful versus being hurried in our own strength.

As stewards of our time and talents, we must recognize the pace that God sets for us. We can be busy with meaningful work and responsibilities without being hurried and lacking trust in God's timing and provision.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Proverbs 16:9 NLT

Discerning whether we are truly busy with God’s work or hurried requires introspection. When I find myself easily irritable, impatient, or frazzled by interruptions, it often indicates that I am operating in my strength rather than relying on God's grace.

Our pace of life not only affects our personal well-being but also impacts our relationships. Our family and friends may bear the brunt of our hurriedness, experiencing our impatience or distraction.

Embracing God's Pace

Being busy with God should not lead to burnout or exhaustion. Instead, it involves aligning our priorities with God's will and trusting Him to sustain us.

Looking to Jesus's example, who was constantly engaged in meaningful work yet never hurried, offers us a trustworthy roadmap. Jesus demonstrated a rhythm of rest and renewal, prioritizing time in prayer with the Father and intentional ministry.

Achieving balance in our lives requires surrendering our schedules to God's guidance and wisdom. This involves discerning His priorities for each season of life and stewarding our time accordingly. I’ve found that my balancing and prioritizing is seasonal. For example, when my dad was battling cancer, caring for him and his appointments became a top priority. Everything else shifted and adjusted so I could attend to what was most important and pressing at the time.

Practical Strategies

Practical strategies rooted in our relationship with God can help us navigate busy seasons with grace. These may include setting aside dedicated time for prayer and reflection, prioritizing Sabbath rest, and seeking wise counsel from others. I am a big proponent of calendaring. I dedicate time to everything: my time with God, my workout schedule, driving my daughter to school or activities, my time with family and friends, and fun. If it’s important to me, I schedule it. This way, I’m intentionally planning for what I need and what others need.

Ultimately, reframing our busyness as an opportunity for Kingdom impact can transform our perspective. Viewing our work and responsibilities as avenues for glorifying God and serving others gives each task significance and purpose.

In the midst of life's busyness, let us seek God's rhythm and pace for our lives. By discerning His priorities, cultivating a spirit of trust and surrender, and embracing a purpose-driven perspective, we can navigate busy seasons with grace and purpose.

So teach us to number our days, That we may cultivate and bring to You a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 AMP