IDLE HANDS ARE THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP
I can’t remember how old I was when I first heard it, but it was early on, as far back as I can recollect. It went something like this; “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop”. It was just another catchy adage I’d memorize as easily as John 3:16, but not really grasp the depth of either for decades.
image courtesy of buildyourideallife.com
It’s been a whirlwind of busyness lately. It’s peculiar how similar that word is to business. It’s good in some ways; that means, according to the old “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop”, I’m keeping my nose clean. Yeah, I can quote the old adages like people do Beatle’s songs.
But as I get along in years it seems those old adages, like all things, are just generalities.
There is a reason that the Good Book says, “Be still and know that I AM GOD”.
Being busy, if it takes up space and time with the Father, is another form of idolatry. Sometimes it just takes the time to sit down and peck out a few words to begin to grasp the depth of our motivations and shortcomings.
When we get so busy it’s easy to hide behind the actions and justify our reasons, but it’s all about priorities. The flesh has its priorities and they never align with God’s. Sometimes it takes an idle mind to ponder and accept the fact that we’re “Prone to Wander… Lord I feel it”.
In our time of musing the sovereignty of our Father and our tendencies to fill our lives with distractions, we come back to Truth… And we fall into the comfort of His Amazing Grace. There is no sweeter place or sound.
It’s the season of rearranging and shuffling priorities to their proper place. And tossing the ones that keep us so busy we forget to seek Truth and find peace in this dizzying busy life.
I’ve missed the reading and writing and interaction with my comrades. It helps keep priorities in order.
Somewhere between “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” and “Choked by the worries of this world” is where we find peace with our Maker.
Sunday, October 14, 2018 @ 5:23 pm
I’ve been wondering where you’ve been lately. Glad to see you pop up in my inbox today, brother. in addition to those old adages, you’re pretty good at the old hymns, too!
Sunday, October 14, 2018 @ 9:27 pm
I have been thinking of you and praying for you and have intended to write and let you know. It was so good to see a post from you tonight. My Papaw used to say that quote a lot, too, about an idle mind being the devil’s workshop. I LOVE the song “Come Thou Fount” ~ I think it is in my top ten favorite hymns, and the line you mentioned hits a nerve with me every time I hear it. I will be continuing to pray for you, brother. Thank you so much for this post.
Sunday, October 14, 2018 @ 11:18 pm
I agree there are times for busy-ness and business and there are times we just need to rest, relax, and kick back with a friend and hang out. I enjoy these times of hanging out on line with my friends and with you.
No devil here today, cause we are avoiding him and he is not welcome here.
Monday, October 15, 2018 @ 5:20 am
Your presence has certainly been missed, Floyd, and it’s so good to see you back writing.
It is all about priorities – circumstances may lead to busy times, but we must consciously seek those moments of stillness and quiet to rest in the Lord. The older I get, I realize the greater value in just being instead of frantic doing.
Blessings, and thanks for these great thoughts here!
Monday, October 15, 2018 @ 5:56 am
I’m grateful for the way you put your thoughts together, brother Floyd–plain, direct, succinct. May you find peace with our Maker. May all of us find peace with our Maker, too.
Monday, October 15, 2018 @ 7:26 am
Great post!
Your a wise man. Sometimes it’s very difficult to come up with the very balance. We can continue to try and the Lord will guide us
God Bless you my friend
Monday, October 15, 2018 @ 10:36 am
It is hard to juggle all of life’s demands, and we do occasionally have to take a minute and reprioritize. “It’s the season of rearranging and shuffling priorities to their proper place.” Blessings to you as you do this, Floyd!
Monday, October 15, 2018 @ 11:05 am
Guess I’m not the only one who has missed you my friend. Glad our personal email conversation gave a good explanation. but it is always good to read a reminder like this. Thanks and welcome back to blogland.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018 @ 1:42 am
Always a good read here at “There Go I”. You’ve been missed, Floyd. I heard the idle hands axiom as a child and have seen a lot of truth in it. However, like you, I have also realized that there is a great need in life for quiet and contemplation. Thanks for sharing!
Friday, October 19, 2018 @ 10:49 am
Floyd,
SO glad you’re back. I was wondering how you are…and yes, life is a constant dance step of balancing what’s important. May God give you grace and peace in all your activities. Blessings 🙂