Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem

“If you are like me and think you are too busy to read this book, trust me, you are too busy not to. As a mom of two little ones at home, I find my days are long, busy, and exhausting. However, after reading Crazy Busy, perspectives, priorities, and order were put back in place. This has been one of the most helpful books I have read to date. Whether you are a mom of two or a CEO of 200, this book will point you to the one and only thing your soul truly needs . . . Christ.”

“Habitual, sinful busyness is something that many struggle with and yet, its rare to hear teaching on this important topic. With refreshing transparency and his trademark humor, Kevin DeYoung identifies the problem and gives helpful practical instruction on how to find our rest in Christ. DeYoung has served the church well (once again). I highly recommend this book.”

“A great book for the stressed-out. DeYoung shows that Jesus was busy and Christians should be busy discipling nations, parenting children, and bearing burdens. He rightly differentiates that from crazy busy, a frenzied trying to please some and control others—and he shows how biblical rhythms and trust in Gods providence can keep us sane. Also a great book for parents who live in a Kindergarchy, over-programming their children: DeYoung says let them play, because its not easy either to ruin them or to assure their success.”

“Im glad to take time out of my busy life to endorse Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung. As Kevin makes abundantly clear, our busyness can be evidence of our faithfulness or, on the other hand, evidence of our pride, ambition, and unbridled activity. As always, Kevin DeYoung is a careful thinker, a gifted pastor, and a writer who keeps the reader on the edge of our seat.”

“Im a fan of Kevin DeYoungs writing, partly because I know what to expect. Hes always clear, biblical, and to the point—with a good dose of humor peppered in. Crazy Busy is no exception. Its a quick and engaging read that busy people can find time for. DeYoung helped me think about the heart issues behind my busyness, and even gave me some practical ways to fight it. As a pretty busy guy, I encourage other busy folks to squeeze this little book into their schedule.”

“Everything Kevin DeYoung writes is biblical, timely, and helpful for both life and ministry. You cant afford to miss what he says here in Crazy Busy. He rightly reminds us to beware of the barrenness of a busy life, since activity and productivity are not the same thing.”

“Informal and friendly...prompts readers to take a long, unsparing look at the things they say and do.”

“DeYoung is a smart guy, and he offers a refreshing (and refreshingly short) take on the plague of modern American life: the too-long to-do list and the overscheduled calendar that produce the frazzled response busy to the innocent question How are you? DeYoung doesnt offer time management but rather theology. God wants you to use your talents, but God is not nearly as big on the idolatry of self-importance that often motivates overcommitment. Some of this could well have been said in a sermon, which would have been even shorter. But DeYoung is clever (If Jesus were alive today, hed get more emails than any of us.), his analysis is well-organized, and he brings theological thinking without moralizing. If you are someone who checks your email before going to bed and as soon as you wake up, DeYoung has your number, and this is your book.”

“Kevin DeYoung goes after our busyness with all the best of Reformed theology: we don't need to manage our busyness better, we have a busy heart, seeking approval from others. The problem isn't too much to do, but a heart out of tune with God's calling, forgetting its limitations, seduced by the siren calls of 'the perfect family' or 'the successful career.' In a world where speed and accomplishment is everything, DeYoung calls us to return to the rhythms of a Sabbath rest.”