Devil's Dart: Busyness

If the enemy cannot make you bad, he will make you busy.

That might sound clever, maybe even a little cute, but it is a devastating truth. One of the enemy’s most effective darts is not outright rebellion. It is a distraction. Quiet, culturally approved, calendar-filling distraction. And I have been hit by it more times than I would like to admit.

Years ago, when our kids were younger, I was the classic busy mom. We had baseball, band, karate, science projects, youth group, and everything in between. Every inch of the calendar was full. But it felt noble. I was doing it for them. I told myself that this kind of life was just a season, that all of it was good and necessary. After all, I was not out doing anything wrong. I was pouring into my children. That is what good moms do, right?

So, I ignored the exhaustion. I shrugged off the disconnection. I relented to the cause, believing the busyness was in their honor and things would all work out.

But now, one of my kids has graduated college and moved out. The other is in their first year of college. And I wake up just as busy without the influence of baseball, band, karate, and science projects.

This time there are no noble science projects or sports schedules to blame. Just me. I am still saying yes. Still running. Still filling every gap. I also noticed my schedule was so packed that I started actively avoiding situations or phone calls where I might be asked to do more... and that's when it really hit me.

Hi. It’s me. I’m the problem it’s me.

At some point, I had to stop blaming the season and start owning the pattern.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15–16

Not long ago, I shared this struggle with a woman I met on Easter. She is older and wiser and told me that she had come out of a lifetime of busyness, too. She recently started drawing clear boundaries to protect what matters most. Her priorities were simple and powerful: growing in Christ and growing others in Christ, but by creating meaningful, specific time for doing such things. It sounds so simple.

The timing of that conversation was not lost on me. My challenge, her challenge, our paths crossing. I believe God orchestrated it. I believe He wanted me to hear her story. And I am listening.

Months later, I did something different. I said no (GASP!). I protected my time. I passed on an annual event I had always helped with for as long as I can remember (DOUBLE GASP!). And it did not feel good. Being painfully transparent with you, I worried about what others would think. I wondered if the whole thing might fall apart. I wondered if others would care as much about its success as much as me and would they do whatever it took to make it successful. I worried that I may not be asked to help again. That internal dialogue created so much emotional strife inside of me. I know many of you experience the same thing. And quite frankly, that internal dialogue in the past usually kept me from saying no, I would change my mind on account of it. I stuck with it this time and prayed through the discomfort.

That same wise woman noticed I was not there, and she did not guilt me. She wrapped me in love and understanding. She said, “It didn’t feel good, did it?” and then she told me how proud she was of me. Now, I’m a grown woman, but I needed to hear that it was ok because I was falling apart inside while setting this one boundary for myself, for God.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better…” Luke 10:41–42

And the most surprising part? The event did not fall apart without me. Others stepped up. Opportunities for others were created, and it was wonderful. It was a raving success. The devil is still actively trying to load me with guilt for not being there, but I know the truth. In this moment, I didn't need to be there, and it's ok.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is to choose what is better. Time with Jesus. Time to be still. Time to listen.

Busyness is not a badge of honor. It is often a dart in disguise. It keeps us from hearing God clearly. It keeps us from loving others deeply. It wears down our strength and dulls our purpose. That is why busyness is such a powerful tool used by the enemy.  

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15

Let’s not be women who “have none of it.” Let’s be women who recognize the dart for what it is. Let’s be women who pause long enough to choose the better thing.

Now, a quick clarification: While busyness is certainly a dart from the enemy, and we need to fight against it, this blog is not permission to retreat to your couch with a bag of chips! (Unless that's part of your intentional quiet time with God, then, by all means! Salt & vinegar chips please!) God absolutely still needs us to do His work. He works through us. So, this isn't a pass to become idle; it's an invitation to be intentionally engaged, to ensure our actions are truly aligned with His purpose, not just filling our calendars for the sake of it.

I am still learning. Still tempted. Still in the process. But now I am paying attention. I am guarding space to be with Jesus. And I am trusting that when I give Him room, He will work through me in ways that busy NEVER could.

Here is your invitation today: reflect. Make changes despite what feels good. Reflect again. And do not let the devil make you so busy that God is no longer seen in you. In love, my sweet, busy sister. I see you.