To Busy to Take a Break

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made…” Luke 10:40

Distracted. We live in a world of full of distractions. Like Martha, Lazarus’s sister, I often find myself distracted because I am planning, or searching, for the next big thing. Martha was a hard-working, loving and caring devoted woman of God – the kind of woman that takes action even in the midst of her own pain (John 11:19).

Martha was busy preparing her home for Jesus. The Healer just raised her sick brother from the dead! What else was she supposed to do, sit there? The culture expected hospitality, it was required. As Martha was wearing herself out and defending her actions, Jesus calls to her.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered “you are anxious and troubled 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 11:41

Jesus knew she was worried about many things. Anxious, Martha does something. She gets busy doing what she probably does best – work. Overwhelmed with questions, doubt, confusion and worry, Martha missed out on the one thing that would give lasting rest to her mind – the teachings of Jesus.

What would my life look like if I simply sat at the feet of Jesus and chose the one thing that would free me from being anxious and troubled about many things?

Instead of meeting the expectations of others…

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Instead of worrying about the future…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Instead of feeling inadequate…

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13

Instead of fearing failure…

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Instead of losing sleep over work…

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Instead of figuring it all out…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Martha was missing out while Mary was simply sitting at the feet of Jesus.  She chose what was better.  My dear friends, it is a choice.  Mary chose to be quiet and to be still. She did not allow herself to be distracted, replacing worry with work, as if it was the solution to all her problems.  Her circumstances were no different than Martha’s. They had walked the same path. But sitting at the feet of Jesus, Mary could look up and see the face of the One with all the answers.

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”  2 Corinthians 4:6

Through every moment, question, doubt and fear we can see the glory of God! We must stop our restlessness in the world and take time to rest, to be seated at the feet of Jesus. When we do, we will see his glory and it will be… Share on X

Dear Lord, I struggle with a mind that is constantly thinking about how to solve this, fix that or find a cure. Forgive me as I try to replace my worry with work and expect that I will find the answers in anything this world has to offer.  Thank you for reminding me that I need only to sit at your feet, listen to your word and see the glory of God in your face – it is the only thing needed. May your glory be reflected in my life, in every struggle and in every victory.  Amen.