Please Stop the World--I Want to Get Off

My people will live in a peaceful habitation, and in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places. —Isaiah 32:18

This verse gives a glimpse into the future messianic kingdom. Sounds nice, huh?

I wonder if our homes today bear any resemblance to the peacefulness that characterizes life under the reign and rule of the King of Glory? Ephesians 2:14 states that Jesus Christ Himself is our peace. If this is true, why are so many homes brimming over with stress-filled activity, busy schedules without margins, chaotic bustle, and conflict? Do homes like this give a fair representation of the kingdom of God? Do they provide spiritual refreshment, relaxation, and enjoyment?

Spend a day in the life of Christ sometime, and you'll notice that He was very busy! His day was filled with ministry opportunities, responsibilities, and obligations. But He's never frazzled. Do you ever see Him scurrying to meet deadlines or impatient with loved ones because of His tightly filled daily planner?

What about us?

Why so stressed?

I'm certainly not wealthy, but I must confess that I have more "servants" than women in any other era. I have computerized appliances (they practically do the work unassisted), worldwide information and communication at my fingertips, convenience of online shopping, ease of travel, mass availability of fully cooked meals through catering services and restaurants—so many conveniences.

So why are women running around with no time to spare and no sense of peace? Could it be that our  schedules are in bondage to our daily planners rather than our daily planners being submitted to the One who has ordained our steps for this day (Ps. 37:23)? Are we taking on more responsibilities and activities than God has in mind for us?

Laziness is certainly not pleasing to God, but could packing our lives full of activities be just as unpleasing? Where do we find the balance? It is imperative that we consistently measure our harried schedules against the simplicity that ushers in peace and tranquility--and be willing to take drastic measures in order to get off the activity merry-go-round.

Gary Thomas addresses this issue in his classic work, Seeking the Face of God:

The sin many of us fall into is not that we shake our fists at God and defy Him to His face; that is the sin of unbelievers. Our sin is that we passively rebel against God, filling our lives with so much noise and busyness that God's voice cannot, or will not, penetrate¹  

Take some time today to honestly evaluate your busyness level. What are some adjectives that would most accurately describe the atmosphere of your home?  How can you simplify your life?

¹ Gary Thomas, Seeking The Face of God (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 98.