Busy Quote by John Ortberg
““Dallas pointed out to me once that there is a world of difference between being busy and being hurried. Being busy is an outward condition, a condition of the body. It occurs when we have many things to do. Busy-ness is inevitable in modern culture. If you are alive today in North America, you are a busy person. There are limits to how much busy-ness we can tolerate, so we wisely find ways to slow down whenever we can. We take vacations, we sit in a La-Z-Boy® with a good book, we enjoy a leisurely meal with friends. By itself, busy-ness is not lethal. Being hurried is an inner condition, a condition of the soul. It means to be so preoccupied with myself and my life that I am unable to be fully present with God, with myself, and with other people. I am unable to occupy this present moment. Busy-ness migrates to hurry when we let it squeeze God out of our lives. Note the differences between the two: Busy Hurried A full schedule Preoccupied Many activities Unable to be fully present An outward condition An inner condition of the soul Physically demanding Spiritually draining Reminds me I need God Causes me to be unavailable to God I cannot live in the kingdom of God with a hurried soul. I cannot rest in God with a hurried soul.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: “Busy vs Hurried” by John Ortberg, 2010
Busy describes many external tasks; hurried describes an inner, soul‑draining preoccupation that blocks presence with God and others.
In simple terms: Busy is external, hurried is internal and spiritually draining
Recognize and limit inner hurry to stay present
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Work overload
- family time
- personal prayer
- vacation
- digital detox
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you tell when busyness turns into hurry?
- What practices help you stay present with God?
Hurry can arise even with few tasks if mindset stays preoccupied