“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” —Luke 10:41-42 NIV (emphasis mine)
I suspect you’ve read the story of Martha and her worries. Let’s face it. If you or I had more than twelve hungry men coming over for dinner, we’d be just a little bit frazzled, too. And if one of them just happened to be the Son of God? The desire to make everything perfect would notch up the pressure, wouldn’t it? Martha wanted everything to go well. It’s hard to blame her. I think we all can understand the resentment she felt toward Mary, happily sitting at Jesus’ feet, drinking in every beautiful word, while the table wasn’t set and the pot needed stirring.
Have you ever wondered why this example was the one mentioned in Scripture to teach us to put Jesus first? I mean. Really. Seems like Martha had a super legitimate reason not to be sitting at Jesus’ feet. Right? Perhaps the very legitimacy of Martha’s situation is why this example is the one we read about in the Bible. Perhaps the time we most need to stop is when we have the most to do. Perhaps even a short time at Jesus’ feet … first … would change the whole tone of our day and alleviate a whole arsenal of worries.
As I’ve pondered this story, I’ve come to realize that it’s in the busiest times I need most to stop. Just like Martha needed to do that “one thing,” meet first with Jesus, so do I. We all do. It’s hard. Louder voices cry for attention. Yet, when I make the choice to sit at Jesus’ feet each morning, even briefly, and hear from Him, my days go more smoothly. When I choose to “run away” on a Sweet Selah Day, spending precious time with God in prayer and study and quiet, I discover I’m better able to cope with all the craziness of life. The purpose of Sweet Selah Ministries is to encourage others—and myself—to take the time to stop. We need reminding.
Let’s embrace the truth that the busier we are the greater the need to be still and spend time with God first. Jesus said it’s the “one thing” needed. Yes, maybe that’s why Martha’s story had to be told.
Prayer: Lord, give me a heart like Mary’s. I want to sit at Your feet and drink in Your beautiful words. Help me put You first in my life. I want You more than anything else. I lay my schedule, my plans, my worries, my hopes, my dreams at Your feet, and I choose You. First. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen.
This article was first published at the online home of by design ministries, whose mission is
Training Women to Serve and Influence Others for Christ. Check out their website here.
You are loved,
Sharon
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To encourage a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth that stillness and knowing God matter most—
and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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