Are you constantly grappling with digital distractions, social media addiction and an overwhelming sense of busyness? Could the root cause of your constant rush be pride and a fear of triviality? How can Jesus's principles of prioritization and deliberate focus help you navigate your frantic life? Join us as we explore these deep-seated issues and discover a path to a more balanced, joyful existence.

Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem

Kevin DeYoung, the author, thinks he is the last person who should be writing a book on busyness—because his life is a whirlwind. But maybe that’s exactly why he’s the right person for the job. 

He's been busy since the 90s, running between school activities, church commitments, and later, juggling work, family, and a myriad of responsibilities. His life has always been packed, and often, it feels like too much. So how did he get here, and why do we all seem to be in this same state of constant busyness?

From high school through seminary, Kevin filled every moment with activities. Even now, his days are a blur of meetings, writing, and family time. Like many, Kevin often finds himself asking, “How did I end up so busy?” It’s a common refrain in modern America—everyone is rushing, stressed, and overwhelmed. 

Our busyness isn’t just a matter of poor planning; it’s a deeper issue. We’re so consumed with keeping up with endless opportunities and demands that we’re losing our joy, our hearts, and our souls. We’re here and there and everywhere, distracted and preoccupied, much like the prophet in 1 Kings 20 who lost sight of his task because he was too busy.

Busyness can steal our joy, making us irritable and anxious. It can choke out our spiritual lives, as the worries of the world and the pursuit of more possessions take precedence over our faith. And it can mask deeper issues, serving as a hedge against the fear that our lives might be trivial or meaningless. 

We need to make changes—not just in managing our time better, but in understanding the why behind our busyness. We need to create margin, plan for the unplannable, and prioritize our spiritual health. Kevin's book aims to help you (and him) find ways to reclaim your time, sanity, and souls.

Is Modern Busyness Stealing Our Joy and Souls?

Every writer has their own routine. Before embarking on a new book, Kevin reads extensively, collecting articles and jotting down his thoughts. For this book, he read about leadership, time management, technology, and Sabbath. Some books were helpful, some not. One book, "Time Warrior," promised a revolutionary approach to managing time but was ultimately confusing and unclear.

The reality is, transformation isn't simple. Kevin knows the problem isn't just our schedules or the world's complexity—it's within us. Our busyness often stems from pride, manifesting in various ways such as people-pleasing, seeking praise, overrating our performance, and chasing possessions or proving ourselves.

People-pleasing is a form of pride. Kevin observes that we say yes to everyone to gain their approval, which can make us miserable and hurt those closest to us. Living for praise is another form of pride, driven by a desire for glory. We overrate our importance, thinking everything depends on us, but we’re not irreplaceable.

We also stay busy to earn and spend on possessions, or to prove ourselves to others. Ambition for our own glory can mask as ambition for God’s glory. Some of us never rest, constantly trying to prove something to someone from our past. Even seeking pity for being busy can be a form of pride.

Pride can be behind our poor planning, control issues, perfectionism, and desire for prestige. Social media often fuels this pride, making us seek validation from strangers while neglecting those who depend on us daily.

The solution isn't to become lazy or ambitionless. It’s about discerning our motivations. Are we doing good or just trying to look good? For instance, Kevin suggests that coaching your daughter’s soccer team should be about spending time with her and her teammates, not about avoiding disappointing others.

Helping friends in need can become burdensome if we don’t set boundaries. True service may involve difficult conversations about what we can and cannot do. Hospitality should focus on creating a welcoming environment, not stressing about appearances.

Busyness isn't inherently bad, but it should be about serving others, not feeding our pride. Kevin reminds his readers that we can’t do it all. Even Jesus didn’t meet every need. He did everything God asked of Him, and so should we.

Ultimately, we need to balance our responsibilities and understand that not every good cause is our personal obligation. We are part of a larger body—the church—that can collectively address many needs. Kevin advises his readers to focus on what God has called them to do, and trust in Christ to uphold the universe.

Decoding Pride: Lessons in Leadership and Balance from Christian Wisdom

For years, the story from Mark about Jesus praying in a desolate place has puzzled Kevin. It's not just a call to prayer but a testament to how Jesus stayed focused on His mission. Despite being incredibly busy, Jesus managed never to stray from His purpose. His life was a whirlwind of activities—teaching, healing, casting out demons—yet He never let the urgent crowd out the important.

Jesus's example is a lesson in setting priorities. Even with immense demands on His time, He knew what He had to do and stuck to it. In contrast, many people get caught up in the busyness of life without clear priorities, often leading to stress and inefficiency.

Setting priorities means acknowledging our limitations. Time is finite, and without clear priorities, we risk being overwhelmed by the urgent at the expense of the important. Like the high-powered women Anne-Marie Slaughter and Mary Matalin, who chose family over career, we often have to make tough choices about where to invest our time and energy.

Moreover, Kevin believes that we need to accept that we can't multitask effectively. Our brains can't handle multiple cognitive tasks simultaneously without sacrificing quality. This means choosing what not to do is just as important as deciding what to do.

In parenting, this principle is crucial. Modern parenting often feels like a relentless pursuit of perfection, but it's essential to realize we can't control everything about our children's futures. Studies show that while upbringing affects children's immediate experiences, their long-term traits are more influenced by genetics.

As parents, our role is to provide love, discipline, and guidance without succumbing to the pressure of doing everything perfectly. Our children need us to be present and less stressed rather than frantically trying to meet every demand.

Ultimately, whether in our personal lives or as parents, setting priorities allows us to serve others more effectively. It’s about focusing on what truly matters and being at peace with not being able to do it all. By following Jesus's example of deliberate prioritization, Kevin believes that we can lead more fulfilling and less frantic lives.

Can Jesus' Example of Prioritization Transform Your Busy Life?

A few years ago, Kevin had a revealing conversation with two seminary students struggling with social media addiction. Despite their intent to enter ministry, they found themselves unable to escape hours on Facebook and mindless web surfing. 

Kevin initially didn't grasp the depth of their problem, but eventually, he too became ensnared by his blog, social media, and various digital devices. Their constantly connected lives created new capabilities and dangers, leading to addiction, acedia (spiritual listlessness), and a fear of being alone.

Nicholas Carr, in "The Shallows," highlights how the Internet can erode attention and make individuals dependent on constant connectivity. This digital busyness can scatter focus and parch memory, making people compulsive information seekers. 

Acedia, as Richard John Neuhaus explains, is not mere laziness but a refusal to engage deeply with life and spirituality, often masked by incessant online activity. Lastly, the digital age makes constant connectivity the norm, leaving individuals scared of solitude and the 'gaping hole' in their hearts that only God can fill.

To combat these threats, Kevin believes it's crucial to cultivate a healthy suspicion of technology, set boundaries, and integrate old-fashioned practices like reading physical books and writing letters. Embracing a rhythm of work and rest is essential. Jason, a colleague, once urged Kevin to take regular days off, highlighting the importance of rest for long-term productivity. The Bible supports both hard work and rest, and even the best in the world, like Olympian Bernard Lagat, recognize the necessity of downtime.

Sleep is another critical aspect. Culture often glorifies sleep deprivation, but it leads to various health issues and decreased productivity. D.A. Carson argues that getting adequate sleep is a spiritual discipline, crucial for well-being.

Lastly, Kevin asserts that some busyness is unavoidable. Serving others, whether in ministry or daily life, involves bearing burdens and sometimes suffering. Ajith Fernando points out that commitment to people often brings physical and emotional challenges. The apostle Paul experienced daily pressure and anxiety for the churches he served, showing that even the most devoted leaders struggle with busyness.

In short, while technology offers many benefits, Kevin emphasizes the need to recognize and address its potential to overwhelm. By setting boundaries, embracing rest, and accepting the inherent challenges of serving others, individuals can navigate their busy lives more effectively and meaningfully.

From Facebook to Faith: Tackling Digital Addiction with Insights from Nicholas Carr and Olympian Bernard Lagat

If you're busy, chances are you’re looking for ways to simplify your life. But Kevin says that he doesn’t have a self-help makeover to offer. Instead, he has one crucial recommendation: spend time with Jesus.

In Luke 10, there's a story about two sisters, Martha and Mary, which gives us Jesus’s perspective on busyness. Martha was busy serving while Mary sat at Jesus’s feet to learn. Martha, frustrated, asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently reminded Martha that Mary had chosen the better path. Martha’s busyness wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t the best.

Many people relate to Martha, feeling overwhelmed by their endless to-do lists. They often give Jesus their spiritual leftovers. But the story of Martha and Mary reminds everyone to prioritize sitting at Jesus’s feet. It’s not about spending every moment in contemplation but ensuring to keep first things first.

So, if you’re feeling swamped and looking for a one-point plan to restore order in your life, here’s Kevin's best advice: devote yourself to the Word of God and prayer. This can mean public worship and private devotion. Start small, even five minutes a day, and make it a consistent habit. This practice brings peace and discipline to life.

Everyone has twenty-four hours in a day, equally distributed. They do what they think is most important with those hours. If they believe that sitting at Jesus’s feet is the best opportunity each day, they will rearrange their priorities accordingly.

Charles Duhigg, in his book "The Power of Habit," suggests focusing on one "keystone habit" to effectively change our lives. Making time for the Word of God and prayer can be that keystone habit, influencing other areas positively.

By spending time with the Lord, people gain perspective on their hassles and grow more like Him—more patient, loving, and thoughtful. They learn to prioritize what truly matters and become more helpful to those around them.

Paul Tripp, in "Dangerous Calling," emphasizes the importance of the devotional life for ministry. Daily admitting our need and feeding on the wisdom of God’s Word propels us to share grace with others.

In Luke 10, before the story of Mary and Martha, Jesus sends out disciples on a mission and tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. These stories are placed together to show that even amidst ministry and compassion, sitting at Jesus’s feet is the one thing we truly need.

Making time for the Word of God and prayer is essential because being with Jesus is the only thing strong enough to pull us away from busyness. We need more Jesus, not just more to-dos.

It’s okay to be tired or overwhelmed. What’s avoidable is living a life with more craziness than one wants because they have less Jesus than they need. Kevin advises to prioritize time with Him, and the rest will follow.

Is Sitting at Jesus's Feet the Ultimate Antidote to Our Busy Lives?

Kevin DeYoung, author and pastor, has always lived a whirlwind life, juggling school activities, church commitments, work, family, and numerous responsibilities since the 90s. His packed schedule often feels overwhelming, prompting the question many of us ask: “How did I end up so busy?” 

Busyness isn’t just about poor planning. It’s a deeper issue, robbing us of joy and spiritual health, making us irritable and anxious. Like the prophet in 1 Kings 20 who lost sight of his task due to busyness, our distractions can mask deeper issues and serve as a hedge against fears of a trivial life.

Kevin’s book aims to help reclaim time, sanity, and spiritual health. He delves into the motivations behind our busyness, such as pride manifesting as people-pleasing, seeking praise, overrating our importance, and proving ourselves through possessions or accomplishments. Social media fuels this pride, making us seek validation from strangers while neglecting those closest to us.

The solution isn’t laziness but discerning motivations and setting priorities. Kevin suggests focusing on what truly matters and being at peace with not doing it all. Jesus’s example—despite being incredibly busy, He stayed focused on His mission—offers a lesson in deliberate prioritization. 

Setting priorities means acknowledging limitations. Like high-powered women who chose family over career, tough choices are necessary. Multitasking isn’t effective; choosing what not to do is crucial. Parenting exemplifies this principle—providing love and discipline without succumbing to perfectionism is key.

Kevin shares a revealing conversation with seminary students struggling with social media addiction. Despite their ministry aspirations, they were ensnared by digital distractions. Technology offers benefits but can overwhelm, leading to addiction, acedia (spiritual listlessness), and fear of solitude.

To combat these threats, Kevin advises cultivating suspicion of technology, setting boundaries, and embracing old-fashioned practices. He emphasizes the importance of rest, citing the Bible and examples like Olympian Bernard Lagat. Adequate sleep is a spiritual discipline, essential for well-being.

Kevin acknowledges that some busyness is unavoidable, especially in serving others. Commitment often brings physical and emotional challenges, as exemplified by the apostle Paul’s daily pressure and anxiety for the churches he served.

Ultimately, Kevin’s crucial recommendation for simplifying life is spending time with Jesus. The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10 highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual devotion over busyness. Even a small, consistent habit of devoting time to the Word of God and prayer can bring peace and discipline to life.

Everyone has twenty-four hours, equally distributed. Prioritizing time with Jesus influences other areas positively, helping gain perspective, grow more patient and loving, and become more helpful to others. Daily admitting our need and feeding on God’s wisdom propels us to share grace.

Making time for the Word of God and prayer is essential because being with Jesus is strong enough to pull us away from busyness. Prioritizing time with Him allows everything else to follow, avoiding a life overwhelmed by craziness but filled with the peace and presence of Jesus.

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Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem

Kevin DeYoung

6 Key ideas

18 MINS

4.7 (929)

Are you constantly grappling with digital distractions, social media addiction and an overwhelming sense of busyness?

Could the root cause of your constant rush be pride and a fear of triviality?

How can Jesus's principles of prioritization and deliberate focus help you navigate your frantic life?

Join us as we explore these deep-seated issues and discover a path to a more balanced, joyful existence.