Choosing the Important Over the Urgent: A Biblical Call to Slow Down and Rest in Christ

If we are honest, many of us live like hurried-life-aholics.

When someone asks how we are doing, the answer is almost always the same: busy, overwhelmed, tired. Our culture celebrates a frantic pace. We multitask, overcommit, fill every margin, and call it success. Yet the more connected we become, the more disconnected we often feel from God, from others, and even from ourselves.

The truth is simple: we have time for what we choose to have time for. And so often, we choose the urgent over the important.

When Jesus Redirected Martha’s Focus

Jesus gently confronted this in Martha’s life. Her intentions were good, but her priorities were misplaced.

Luke 10:40 says she was “distracted with much serving.” Her tasks felt necessary, possibly even spiritual, but they pulled her away from what mattered most. Meanwhile, Mary chose a different posture.

Luke 10:42 says, “but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Urgent things shout. Important things whisper.
Urgent things drain. Important things fill.
Urgent things rush you. Important things restore you.

The Rest Jesus Offers

Jesus invites us into a different way, a different rhythm, one that aligns our pace with His presence.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, ESV)

God’s kingdom does not measure worth by speed, noise, or production. His values are love, depth, rest, presence, and connection. He invites His people to slow down long enough to hear His voice, to invest in relationships, and to breathe again.

What Have You Been Too Busy to Tend To?

Ask yourself today: What important thing have I been too distracted to pursue?

Time with God
Your marriage
Enjoying your children
Caring for your health
Rest
Quiet
Healing

When we prioritize only what feels urgent, our hearts become thin and weary. When we choose what is truly important, our souls become strengthened and restored.

Choose Like Mary

Today, choose like Mary. Sit at Jesus’ feet. Let Him reorder your pace, your priorities, and your heart.

A Prayer for Slowing Down

Father, when the world pushes me to rush, gently remind me to pause, sit at Your feet, and listen. Help me choose what is truly important over what only feels urgent. Guide my steps so that my heart and my life honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.