Martha opened her home to Jesus and His disciples. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. Martha was distracted by all the work involved in showing hospitality and said to Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Instead Jesus defended Mary. He said, “Martha, Martha, 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 10:38-42).
Even though we are isolated much of the time due to the worldwide pandemic, stress catches us off guard. We get overly concerned about all the work that needs to be done. I’ve learned the hard way to take time in the morning to read God’s word and spend time in prayer. When I first started devotional time, I was concerned that I wouldn’t accomplish all I had to do. I discovered that no time was lost, and I accomplished even more than I set out to do.
THINK ABOUT IT
A favorite hymn, Take Time to be Holy by William D. Longstaff, came to mind:
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
(Read the rest of the lyrics here.)
PRAY ABOUT IT
Lord God Almighty, help us to be like Mary in a Martha kind of world. Help us to take time to be with you every day–to learn from your word and to talk with you in prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tell Me the Story 