The six-week study of John Ortberg’s book, Soul Keeping, which I’ve been participating in with a small group of like-minded people has ended. The insights I gained and inspiration I received while doing this study were profound. With renewed determination and fresh energy, I’m pursuing God’s call to love him with my entire heart, mind, and strength.

I’m especially thankful to Beverly Ewart and Courtney Kissam who prepared for and led this group, helping us to more clearly understand what it means to have a healthy soul. 

The following poem/song, “Busy but Not Hurried”,  describes the kind of soul I desire to possess. “Hurried” refers to anxiety and worry located in our inner life. “Busy” refers to activities in our outer life. We can be very busy, yet not hurried. 


Busy but Not Hurried

PRACTICING GOD’S PRESENCE

Busy, but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I am living
In the presence of my King

Busy, but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I am singing
And giving thanks for everything

LIVING IN FEARLESS OBEDIENCE

Busy, but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I’ve stopped thinking
About what other folks might do

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I am doing
Works my Father called me to

CONNECTED AND FOCUSED  

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I am moving
In rhythm with the Spirit

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I’m avoiding
Things that have no merit

 HOPEFUL AND INTENTIONAL

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I’m preparing
For the day when he returns

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I’m not working
For the money I could earn

MAINTAINING WISE BOUNDARIES 

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I’m refusing
Loads not meant for me

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I’m accepting
My responsibility

UNTROUBLED BY DIFFICULTIES

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means when I’m not sleeping
I still have inner peace

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means when I am hurting
God’s comfort will increase

FAITH AND CONFIDENCE

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I’m receiving
God’s acceptance of me

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means that I’m still sharing
My songs and poetry

STABILITY AND CONTENTMENT

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means when life is shifting
I know that God’s not distant

Busy but not hurried
Means I am not worried
Means my soul’s not drifting
‘Cause God is all sufficient 

2/19/2018 Jane Ault

13 Responses

  1. While my desire is to be continually aware of his presence, I also get distracted so much and it is a consistent challenge. But I am so thankful that I am always welcomed into His presence

  2. What an important message! For me it has meant letting my Father direct me. It is amazing what I can get done when I put Him in charge.

  3. Thanks for this post. This has been my focus lately too. Have been reading Practicing His Presence by Brother Lawrence and my desire is to be constantly aware of the Holy Spirit presence in whatever I am doing.

    1. Thanks for your comment, Ruth. The booklet, Practicing His Presence, is so insightful. To continually stay aware of the Holy Spirit’s is very challenging for me. Mornings are best for me. As the day progressing, it’s easier for me to get distracted.

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