Balancing Busyness With Spiritual Stillness

By Charles A. Oluyori

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

If you’re anything like me—a working adult over 40 juggling a job, a degree program, and a side hustle—you know what it means to live in motion. Our calendars are full, our minds are racing, and our to-do lists never seem to end. But in the middle of all this busyness, I’ve learned something life-changing: stillness isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

The Myth of “I’ll Rest Later”

For years, I told myself I’d slow down once I finished this project, passed that exam, or hit a certain income goal. But the truth? There’s always another thing. And without intentional pauses, burnout creeps in—quietly but powerfully.

What Stillness Looks Like in Real Life

Stillness doesn’t mean quitting your job or meditating for hours. For me, it’s:

• 5 minutes of silence before I check my phone in the morning.
• Journaling a verse that speaks to my current season.
• Breathing deeply during a 30-minute break instead of scrolling.
• Praying short, honest prayers while commuting or cooking.

These small moments anchor me. They remind me that I’m not just hustling for success—I’m living for purpose.

Faith in the Flow

I believe God meets us in our motion, but He also calls us to pause. Not to punish us, but to restore us. When I take time to be still, I hear more clearly, love more deeply, and work more wisely.

Try This: Your Stillness Starter Kit

Here’s a simple challenge for this week:

1. Pick one verse that speaks to your current hustle.
2. Set a 5-minute timer each day to reflect on it—no phone, no noise.
3. Write one sentence about how it applies to your life right now.

You might be surprised how much clarity and peace those five minutes bring.

💌 Want more weekly encouragement like this?
Join my email list for faith-centered productivity tips, side hustle stories, and real talk for real life.