A Mercifully Short Book about a Really Big Problem
Who is it for?
Anyone reading this on a smartphone
Church leaders looking for balance
Parents wondering how to do it all
Do you ever feel like you're on the verge of drowning in a sea of responsibilities, deadlines, and demands? Welcome to modern life!
Everyone seems to be busy all the time.
In his book, "Crazy Busy - A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem," Kevin DeYoung offers a biblical perspective on how to deal with this overwhelming problem. Here are three reasons why you should read this book.
A new way of looking at busyness
DeYoung provides readers with a fresh perspective on busyness.
He doesn't give a step-by-step guide on how to handle a busy schedule. Instead, he examines the problem of busyness in light of biblical teachings.
A hectic lifestyle poses spiritual dangers, which can ruin our joy, rob our hearts, and cover up the rot in our souls.
The book highlights the importance of being mindful of the reasons why we are busy. Deyoung identifies all the wrong reasons why we are busy, such as people-pleasing, pity, poor planning, and perfectionism.
This helps readers to identify the root cause of their busyness.
“Busyness does not mean you are a faithful or fruitful Christian. It only means you are busy, just like everyone else. And like everyone else, your joy, your heart and your soul are in danger.”
A practical yet theologically deep book
Though the book is (mercifully) short, it’s not entirely devoid of theological justification.
The book's solid theology provides a firm foundation for the insights and advice given. It's a theologically deep book that's also very readable, enjoyable, and profound.
Rest is a concept that is emphasized throughout the Bible. In the beginning, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. This act of rest was not because He was tired or needed to recover, but rather to set an example for His creation.
In Exodus 20:8-11, God commands His people to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. This day of rest was not only a time to physically rest and recharge but also to remember and honor God's provision and faithfulness. It was a time to set aside the worries and burdens of daily life and focus on worshiping and connecting with God.
Jesus also spoke about rest in Matthew 11:28-30, inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest for their souls. This rest is not merely physical but spiritual, as Jesus offers us the peace and rest that only He can provide.
In Hebrews 4, the author speaks of a rest that is yet to come for God's people. This rest is not just a temporary break from work or a respite from earthly troubles, but a permanent rest in the presence of God. As we wait for this ultimate rest, we are called to strive to enter it by faith and obedience to God's Word.
While it’s true that as New Testament Christians, we aren’t biblically bound to Sabbath laws, the overarching narrative of Scripture does tell us that rest is a best practice—there’s just not a good reason for us to ignore it.
“The antidote to busyness of soul is not sloth and indifference. The antidote is rest, rhythm, death to pride, acceptance of our own finitude, and trust in the providence of God.”
Offers spiritual solutions to real-life problems
"Crazy Busy" is a book that tackles real-life problems that affect many of us.
DeYoung's chapter on parenting, "A Cruel Kindergarchy: You Need to Stop Freaking Out about Your Kids," is an excellent example of this. He injects common sense and humor into the discussion of Christian parenting, reminding readers that God has given Christian parents the responsibility to raise and train their children, but that it's okay to make mistakes along the way.
DeYoung also touches on the issue of the Sabbath (see above), showing how God has ordained times of rest that we ignore at our peril. The book contains excellent insight and sage advice concerning digital distractions, which can result in trivial and wasted activity.
In conclusion, "Crazy Busy" is a book that's relevant to everyone, and it approaches the subject of busyness spiritually. It's both theological and practical, and the author's humility and personal struggle with busyness are relatable.
The book is not a quick fix for an overburdened schedule, but it will provide readers with a new perspective on their busyness and offer practical solutions.
With the help of DeYoung's insights and by the grace of God, our busyness might become more like that of Jesus himself: intensely active but always according to the priorities his Father had given him.
* This post may contain links that will, at no additional cost to you, earn the author a commission on any purchases made.
