Amid the Busyness of Life

The Voice of Zion August 2026 - Home and Family Articles --

Amidst our busy family life, the believing home can be a place of contentment and peace, a refuge from the world, a setting where God’s perfect plan for our lives unfolds day by day. Family life often involves many moving parts and much noise. The shape of family busyness differs from one household to another, as well as from one season of life to another. Each household and season carries its own joys and sorrows, along with its own responsibilities and demands, and each has its own form of contentment and beauty. 

Yet busyness must be carried with wisdom. We do not want to be idle. Idleness is a playground for the devil. But neither do we want to be overly busy so that we fail to see one another’s needs or neglect the relationships and duties that give a home its strength. A household is not made lovely by activity alone, but by the spirit in which that activity is shared. A believing home and family is a place where the Holy Spirit lives and works. When each member of the family works and contributes to the life of the home, responsibility takes root, and the sense of belonging deepens. The ordinary tasks of daily life are part of a family’s unique character, and meaningful work is one of the good gifts woven into home life.

Above all, we wish to remember to invite the Lord Jesus into our family hubbub. He promises to join even the smallest home congregation: “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matt. 18:20, NIV). We can, and should, remind each other to freely use the gospel in our home. Then, even amid full days and many duties, our home remains a place of rest and comfort. A busy family of God’s children is a shelter of grace where love is renewed and burdens are lightened, and where the joy of believing permeates the rhythms of everyday life.

Strength for Each Day

Adam Wuollet

It seems nearly impossible to accomplish everything that needs to be done in a day. Unexpected situations arise and call for immediate action, causing our other tasks to pile up. Heavy trials may come and make the way forward seem impossible. We may feel overwhelmed and wonder how we can take another step forward. The demands in a busy home are significant. Where can we turn except to cast all our care upon Him who cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7)?

We can simply and confidently say that it is not of our own ability and strength, but only through the power of God, that we are able to care for our families. No matter how difficult our situation may be, our heavenly Father wishes us to be encouraged and hopeful, and He provides strength when we need it (2 Cor. 4:8; Isa. 41:10). We can trust in Him with the same trust that little children place in their parents.

Through faith we wish to obey God’s Word and will. We battle the lies of the devil, the influence of the world, and the lusts of our sinful flesh. With joy we can accept the work and blessings that come with a busy home and family. But we are weak, and our patience and our love are tested. Our flesh is drawn to life outside of God’s kingdom, which seemingly offers relief from the challenges of running a home and raising a family. However, God gives enduring joy and contentment when we endeavor in faith, looking after ourselves, our family, and our home in obedience to His Word and in the care of the gospel. “Godliness with contentment is great gain;” we can find them both in our small home congregation (1 Tim. 6:6).

Many distractions compete for our time and attention, and each of us has personal needs and interests. A parent’s duties often require putting the needs of the family above the individual interests of either parent. Hobbies or interests may draw us away from our family, or devices may absorb our attention while family members sit right in front of us. Before we know it, we find ourselves wrapped up in activities of far lower priority than our home and family. Pausing to take inventory of our time can be helpful. One elder said, “Don’t tell me what your priorities are. Tell me what you spend your time doing, and then I can tell what your priorities are.”

Selfishness gets in our way and makes a burden of serving in the home. Our society and culture, especially social media, emphasize selfish pursuits and accumulating possessions. Yet such things may be beyond a family’s financial means, which can tempt a parent to work long hours to attain them. This is one way our priorities can become misaligned and misplaced.

It is good to regularly remind each other of our mutual destination and to continually look for ways to help one another. Jesus teaches that when we first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other things will follow (Matt. 6:33). Difficulties of health, work, and finances can create doubt about providing for our family. Jesus encourages us not to worry about the future, but to trust in God’s promise to provide (Matt. 6:34). Our heavenly Father cares for all His creation, especially for His dear children.

Another way we help each other is by doing chores together. It is necessary and good for children to help around the home. This makes the workload manageable for the entire family. Shielding children from work strips them of an important role of service. God gives a sense of purpose and fills the heart with joy when we see how our work benefits others. Through serving others, we serve God Himself. No matter what we do, we should do it “heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Col. 3:23).

Serving God’s children, even those who are members of our own family, is important. God’s Word teaches that such service is a fruit that will differentiate believers from unbelievers on Judgment Day (Matt. 25).

It is helpful to talk with older believers who have passed through our stage of life. Their experience has brought wisdom and good counsel. It is also good to visit with other believing parents who are in a similar phase of life and who can reassure us that we are not alone in our struggles. Although we come from different backgrounds and ways of living, we share a mutual endeavor of faith and have many similar concerns in keeping a home and family.

As people, our essence has not changed from those who came before us. The circumstances we encounter change. Technology and tools change. Our children grow, and our situation evolves. In every phase we find that we need to learn and grow, then learn and grow again.

Jesus, our Master Teacher, gives the best example of how to live. He exhorts us to turn in prayer to our heavenly Father, the Giver of all good things. He teaches us to turn to God’s Word in times of trial and temptation, as well as in times of contentment and joy. In the Lord’s Prayer, He instructs us not to pray for the unknown needs of an uncertain tomorrow, but simply for the needs of today.

Jesus lived a life of service. He helped those in need. He gave of Himself throughout His life and suffered to save all people from sin. He sacrificed Himself on the cross so that all who believe in Him can inherit eternal life (John 3:16). How fortunate we are to have such a loving Teacher and Savior!

We strive to live according to God’s Word. We find that we fall short and often need to seek the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. Amid a busy home life, we experience God’s peace and joy. And by continuing to endeavor in faith, we will one day be able to exchange our cross for a crown of glory in heaven. 

Retiring to a Small Congregation in a New Area

Sandra Hall

My husband, Steve, and I were both born in Minneapolis, Minn., and grew up in the Minneapolis congregation. We got married at a young age, and moved to the western metro area, where we joined the Rockford congregation. Throughout our working years, we enjoyed traveling and visiting new places, but for us Minnesota was always home.

As our children grew up, graduated from school, and moved out, our house began to feel empty. I took a job at Building Hope, a group home for people with special needs that believers manage. Getting to know the residents brought such joy, and I got to spend my days caring for my new friends! The work was meaningful, and it filled a void. During the painful and confusing times of heresy a few years ago, my work helped to keep me emotionally afloat and to stay focused on the most important matters of life. I found my calling. My everyday routines of work, home life, kids and grandkids brought comfort.

One day, our son and his wife announced they were moving their growing family to Missouri. They wanted to settle in a rural area with acreage to raise their growing family. Their move wasn’t surprising. For the first years of their marriage, they had moved around the country and had lived away from established congregations. As a mom and grandma, I was happy that they wanted to be near other believers.

Once they moved into their new home, we went to visit them. Steve immediately fell in love with the area and suggested that we make it our part-time home in retirement. I balked at the idea! Moving out of state sounded way too overwhelming! What would I do to fill my time? What about the rest of our kids? When would we see our grandkids? What effects would such a move have on our family? Motherhood is a role that never ends, and I have found that loving and cherishing my kids and grandkids has brought a jumble of joys and worries no matter how old they are or where they live.

But the more Steve talked about Missouri, the more I warmed up to the idea of a new adventure. Before long, we found ourselves packing up and moving away from Minnesota for the first time in our lives. When I finally agreed to give it a try, it was with trepidation and heavy heart. I’ve always wanted to live near other believers and can’t imagine life without them. We’d always been part of the bustling life of a large congregation. Moving meant settling among only a handful of believing families, and a big change of pace. I wondered where our home truly is. I wondered where we belong. Many prayers arose to God to guide our steps.

I have grown to love the tranquility of the Ozarks, the forested hills of southern Missouri we now call home. Our congregation is small, which is quite a change for us from Minneapolis and Rockford. We gather every Sunday for services and Sunday school, as well as once a month for Bible class. Four times a year, we have weekend services with visiting ministers. It’s a joy to host family, ministers and visitors passing through the area.

Living here has made me appreciate Jesus’ words in a new way: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I, in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). There is something special about this small congregation. Maybe it’s because everyone here has the shared experience of moving here from somewhere else. A peaceful, secure, loving feeling reigns in my heart when I can gather with the other believers. There is a closeness that connects everyone of all ages.

We have been able to spend our past few winters with believers in Florida and Arizona, and we’ve returned to Minnesota each summer. Gathering with believers from across North America truly is a blessing. Our house projects and travel keep us busy and moving. The comings and goings of family and friends are refreshing bright spots. I’ve especially noticed a new appreciation in our family for our summers together back in Minnesota.

Part of my heart will always be at home in Minnesota. We have a dear congregation there, where most of our children still live. As we age, we increasingly wish to be near our children and grandchildren. Here in Missouri, in this peaceful place far from where we grew up, it’s wonderful still to be in the busyness and hubbub of family, home and congregation life. Heaven does not exist here on earth; but there’s no place I’d rather be than among God’s children.  

What Brings Comfort and Fulfillment?

Sean and Mandy Wuollet

When our family was gathered inside our home as a powerful storm was thundering outside, we talked about what brings us comfort and fulfillment. Such storms show the power of God. When temporal storms bring fear into our lives, the reassurance of the gospel and gathering with other believers bring us comfort. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we feel God’s protection. 

In our discussion, the children shared that they feel fulfillment when going to services, being with other believers and singing together. God’s Word instructs us to gather with other believers as the end of time nears: “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25, ESV).

In God’s kingdom we find comfort, strength and peace. Here we find contentment in temporal life and, more importantly, in spiritual life. As God’s children, we need each other. We reassure and encourage one another along life’s way. We can believe our sins are forgiven. We can own the hope of eternal life in heaven one day. Being with believers brings peace and joy to our lives.

It’s easy to become swept up in the demands of everyday life and personal pursuits. But God’s Word reminds us to pause and discuss matters of faith at home. Our most important conversations are those with our loved ones in our precious home congregation. Amid the busyness of life, may we always hold dear the time we can spend as family reading and discussing God’s Word, comforting and encouraging each other in faith. Our greatest fulfillment is gained on heaven’s shore.  

Discussion questions:

1. What brings you comfort and fulfillment? 

2. Who has been a good example of contentment in your life? 

3. What are some blessings and challenges of family life? 

4. What are some everyday habits that can help build gratitude, contentment, and peace?

5. What distractions can pull our attention away from faith, family, and serving others? 

6. How can family members support one another and share in the work of the home? 

7. Why is it important to gather with other believers and discuss matters of faith? 

8. What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God in daily life?

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