Being busy is in many ways a blessing. But too much of a good thing often causes life to become pressured and stressful. So how can we learn to live relaxed and enjoy living at full speed? We may need to slow our pace or increase our pauses, but more importantly we need to discipline ourselves to keep in step with Jesus, not racing ahead or dragging behind. This skill is not automatic, we must intentionally practice being relaxed while sitting, walking, or running with Jesus.
I agree with Chuck Swindoll when he said that “A relaxed, easy-going Christian is far more attractive and effective than the rigid, uptight brother (or sister) who squeaks when he walks and whines when he talks.”
How can I live relaxed when so many expectations and demands swirl around me? I suggest the first step is to regain and strengthen our confidence and trust in God presence and purpose. This comes through frequent conversation (prayers) with Him.
Roy Lawrence writes that “The essence of prayer is simply affirming God’s will, rejoicing in God’s will, and relaxing into God’s will.” I think this is one of the best definition of praying that I have found most helpful in my own praying.
Do I hear you saying that often you are too busy to pray? I suggest that it is in the “being too busy” times that we most need to pray. I have learned that no matter how busy I may be there is always time for the “arrow prayer” – a few words of praise or petition shot like an arrow into the heart of any situation, need, or uncertainty when and wherever it occurs.
I read that Bishop George Sinker developed the habit of praying every time he went through a doorway, “Lord, come with me through this door.” This is why it is not surprising to hear it said that he brought a sense of God’s presence with him when he entered a room.
We have many moments throughout every day that could be used as prayer moments for both self and for others. Such “in the moment” praying will teach us how to be both busy and relaxed; how to be in flesh the God of peace among a people going to pieces.
Remember Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” God’s love for us and His desire to be in relationship with us is so awesome that it is truly amazing that it is being offered us. Why then are we so reluctant to come to Him in any busy or stress-filled moment and enjoy the rest and peace He offers us?
John Greenleaf Whittier wrote a beautiful prayer-hymn that I find helpful as my own prayer.
Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Forgive our foolish ways! Reclothe us in our rightful minds;
In purer lives Thy service find; In deeper reverence, praise.
Drop Thy still dews of quietness Till all our strivings cease. Take from our souls the strain and stress
And let our ordered lives confess The beauty of Thy peace.
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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – February 2, 2023
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
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