Don't Get Caught in the Trap

Isn't it wild how life never seems to slow down? It's like we're always in this perpetual state of busyness. Our calendars are packed, our to-do lists are endless, and our minds are constantly racing with the next thing we need to accomplish. If we're not careful, we can easily get caught in the trap of constant motion, and in doing so, miss out on the beauty and greatness of God.

Psalm 97 is a powerful reminder of who God is and how deserving He is of our full attention and adoration. Verse 1 starts with, "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice." It's a call to recognize God's sovereignty and rejoice in His majesty. But how can we truly rejoice if we're too busy to even notice His presence?

Busyness is one of the enemy's greatest traps. It's subtle, isn't it? We're not talking about falling into obvious sin or blatant disobedience. No, it's the sneaky kind of distraction that pulls us away from soaking up God's greatness. The enemy knows that if he can keep us running on the hamster wheel of life, we'll be too exhausted to spend time in God's presence, too distracted to hear His voice, and too preoccupied to see His hand at work in our lives.

Psalm 97:6 says, "The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory." Think about that for a second. The heavens are constantly proclaiming God's righteousness. His glory is on display all around us, but we have to be still long enough to notice it. When was the last time you just paused and took in the beauty of a sunset, the intricacies of a flower, or the gentle whisper of the wind? These are all reminders of God's greatness, and they invite us to slow down and worship.

It's no coincidence that one of the most quoted verses about God's greatness comes from Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God." Being still isn't just about stopping our physical activity; it's about quieting our minds and hearts to focus on God. It's in these moments of stillness that we can truly experience His presence and be reminded of His power and love.

So, how do we break free from the trap of busyness and make room for God in our lives?

1. Prioritize Your Time with God: Schedule it if you have to. Treat it like any other important appointment. Start your day with prayer and scripture, and let that set the tone for everything else.
2. Embrace Simplicity: Cut out the unnecessary activities that don't add value to your life or your relationship with God. It's okay to say no to good things so you can say yes to the best things.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Throughout your day, take moments to pause and acknowledge God's presence. Whether it's a quick prayer, a deep breath, or a moment of gratitude, these small pauses can keep you connected to Him.
4. Sabbath Rest: God designed us to need rest. Honor the Sabbath by taking a day each week to rest and refocus on Him. Use this time to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
5. Seek Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable. Share your struggles and victories, and grow together in your faith.

Friends, don't let the busyness of life rob you of the joy of knowing God deeply and intimately. Psalm 97 reminds us that God's greatness is worth slowing down for. Let's be intentional about creating space in our lives to soak up His glory and rejoice in His reign. After all, the most important things in life are not the things we do but the moments we spend in His presence.