MARY IN A MARTHA WORLD

Are you like me and have trouble staying still? I can put my hands to something all day long. Even though I have that Holy Spirit craving, tugging at my heartstrings, often times the distractions win. As I was meditating on the passage of Mary and Martha, I once again hear Him say, “Do the better thing.”

At Jesus Feet

You see Martha was frantic when Jesus came to visit. Anxiously getting her house in order, cooking, cleaning, striving for perfection. Mary, her sister on the other hand, just wanted to be with Jesus and sit as His feet. So Martha goes and complains to Jesus, hoping he would help her out. Instead, Jesus tells her, “You are worried and upset by many things, yet only one thing is needed, Mary has chosen what is better.” But what about the meal, the tasks, the calendar, the schedule? Only one thing is needed.

As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister, Mary who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but indeed only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

Be Intentional

We must constantly remind ourselves, that the enemy is subtle. He will fill your life with task after task until you convince yourself that you are too tired or don’t have time to sit at Jesus’ feet. You must press in, be intentional and carve out that necessary time daily. Meditate on His word and stay quiet long enough to hear His voice. I know the struggle is real but he takes care of all life’s details when we seek Him first. I can testify that he does. Read more of this on my past post, No Middle Man.

Don’t get me wrong, tasks are important. Especially when he specifically calls you to do that good work, be quick to obey. If we are honest with ourselves, we spend far too much time on tv, social media and other things that can wait. Hearing His clear voice only comes when you stop to listen. Being what our world so desperately needs, only comes when we spend time being filled with His transforming love. Our strength only comes when we plant His word in our hearts.

“Lord, help me to prioritize you and to put all tasks aside. To press in to know you. May I hunger for you above all. Give me a Mary heart. Amen.”