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
Ruth Stauffer says:, thank you for this post. Its very inspiring.
Thank you for your encouraging comment, Ruth!
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
Yes, Ruth. God so graciously welcomes us back when we get distracted.
Thank you for this post. Its very inspiring.
You are welcome! Thank you for reading it and commenting.
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.
Yes, Debbie, I find the same thing is true for me.
Thanks! Appreciate that
You are welcome! I appreciate your commment.
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.
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.