Fact-Checking Friday: Busyness Isn’t Faithfulness

We tend to lean into busy because being still somehow feels less than.

For years, I was a true busybody. I signed up for every committee, volunteered for every event, and ran from one thing to the next—with kids in tow. I thought that’s what the

Christian life was supposed to look like—constant doing.

I knew about the story of Mary and Martha, about the beauty of sitting at Jesus’ feet, but I didn’t think that was meant to be a lifestyle. I thought it was something you did occasionally—after all, there was so much that needed to get done. As a single mom of three, there was always someone who needed me or something that required my attention.

At the time, it all looked good on the outside. I was serving my church, working full-time, helping in the community—and the busier I was, the more applause I received. Society celebrates people who keep going, who don’t stop, who say yes to everything.

But looking back now, with a little more perspective than I had then, I can see what was really happening. All that doing was rooted in fear—the fear that I wasn’t enough. Not enough for my kids. Not enough for my job. Not enough for God.

I carried that belief like a heavy backpack everywhere I went, thinking if I just did more, I’d finally be worthy of rest. But here’s the truth I didn’t know back then: God never asked me to earn my value through motion.

I look back on that season with tenderness now. I can see how desperate I was to feel loved just for being me—messy mistakes and all. I’m grateful God led me out of that place and began to teach me what it really means to be faithful. To be still. To be present.

Faithfulness isn’t found in how much we accomplish. It’s found in who we’re becoming while we’re at His feet. Because busy doesn’t equal faithful.

Try This

1. Pause Before You Commit: When a new opportunity comes, ask, “Is this mine to do?” Not everything good is meant for you.

2. Schedule Stillness: Give yourself permission to sit in quiet—even five minutes counts. Stillness isn’t wasted time; it’s sacred space.

3. Redefine Faithfulness: Faithfulness isn’t measured by how much you do. It’s measured by how closely your heart aligns with God’s.

Inviting God

Ask God to show you where you’ve mistaken busyness for obedience. Scripture reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)Let your stillness become an act of faith.

Let’s Connect

Leave a comment or reach out to me via the website—let’s talk about how this has sparked your desire for better living. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Soulful Saturday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.

If today’s message spoke to you, you’ll love my book My Pocket Counselor—it offers perspective-shifting truth and faith-filled guidance to help you grow emotionally and spiritually, one step at a time.