Get busy living or get busy dying

In the movie Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne, played by Timothy Hutton, made this statement: “either get busy living, or get busy dying.”

What did he mean when he said this?

We may feel trapped or powerless, and we may be tempted to give up or resign ourselves to our fate. But Andy’s words remind us that we always have a choice. We can either accept our circumstances and let them define us, or we can take action and try to change them. We can get busy living or get busy dying.

In my deepest thoughts and prayers, I’m reminded of the Psalmist, who often wrote about the themes of life and death along with the human experiences of stress, anxiety, despair, and the sufferings of daily life.

In our human nature we worry so much about tomorrow and beyond; what we will do, where we will go, wear, eat, etc. Sometimes we feel trapped or powerless by our present circumstances; perhaps, even, dwelling in the past.

But putting our faith and trust in God and in the living power of His word (Hebrews 4:12) brings us to the throne room of God, where His mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness abounds to those who look to Him. In his mercy, His grace, His peace and His power become ours, as his life flows through living power of His Holy Spirit.

When I am weak, His strength picks me up and carries me. I was once powerless, but now my strength is renewed like the eagle’s. (Isaiah 40:31)

Psalm 116:1-9 ESV
[1] I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. [2] Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. [3]  The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. [4] Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” [5]  Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. [6] The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. [7] Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. [8] For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; [9] I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.116.1-9.ESV