The Quiet thief of Joy: Reclaim the Sacred Gift of Time
In this episode of The Joy Stories, Jessica explores how busyness quietly steals our joy and distracts us from what truly matters. She invites listeners to pause, reflect, and reclaim the sacred gift of time God has given each of us. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and gentle encouragement, Jessica shows how our minutes—though small—hold immense value and can shape the course of our hearts and lives. This episode is a heartfelt call to slow down, live intentionally, and prioritize the people, moments, and spiritual practices that bring lasting peace and joy.
Takeaways:
· Busyness is often a tool used to distract us from joy.
· We have 1,440 minutes each day to spend wisely.
· Time is the most valuable commodity we have.
· We often measure our worth by productivity, which can lead to exhaustion.
· Jesus invites us to take off the world's heavy yoke and find rest in Him.
· Being present with loved ones is more important than a busy schedule.
· Our life is brief, and we should cherish our time with others.
· We can choose to invest our time in what truly matters.
· Intentionality in our daily routines can help us combat busyness.
Scripture:
Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Psalm 103:15: “Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die”
Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Matthew 10:10: “‘The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came that you may have life — and have it abundantly.”
Luke 10:38–42 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010%3A38–42&version=NLT
Quotes:
“Time is infinitely more precious than anything else. Nothing can be valued against it.” Jonathan Edwards (Puritan Theologian)
“Our time is our life, and our attention is the doorway to our hearts. How we spend our time is how we spend our lives. It’s who we become (or don’t become).” John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
“We do not manage time. We only manage the moments God gives us.” Max Lucado
“We are always falling into the illusion that we have more time than we do.” C.S. Lewis
“If the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy.” Corrie Ten Boom
“Both sin and busyness have the same effect — they cut off your connection to God, to other people, and even to your own soul.” John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,
“We have this tension that women in particular feel between wanting to sit at Jesus' feet like Mary and feeling compelled to serve and manage responsibilities like Martha. The path to a deeper and more fulfilling spiritual life is not about doing more, but about learning to receive His love and wisdom through intimacy with Him, even within the busyness of a "Martha world".” Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary heart in a Martha world.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Book Suggestions and references:
“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer https://a.co/d/6WuaKqb
“Having a Mary Heart in a Marhta World, Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life”: by Joanna Weaver https://a.co/d/dv0fCWU
“Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You’re Worn Out and Weary” by Wendy Blight https://a.co/d/hhlqjsc
Song: “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw https://open.spotify.com/track/7B1QliUMZv7gSTUGAfMRRD?si=ee3728e6eac9467f
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