Do you ever find yourself stressing out because you are too busy and trying to do too much? Hall of Fame basketball coach John Wooden once said, “Don’t mistake activity for achievement.” Simply being busy doesn’t always lead to achievement or success, but often we don’t feel at peace unless we are forcing ourselves to stay busy, sometimes causing more stress, anxiety, or worry than necessary.
The story of Martha and Mary is one that shows us that it is okay to sometimes slow down or stop altogether so we can find peace in God.
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were three siblings whom the Bible specifically said Jesus loved. Of course, Jesus loved everyone because that was His nature, but when it was written in John 11:15 that "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,” it was one of the few times the Bible highlighted this level of love on such a personal level. This tells us Jesus had more than just a casual relationship with the family.
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visited their home, and while Martha worked hard cleaning and house and serving food, Mary sat at Jesus’s feet and listened to him teach. In verses 40-42, it is written: “But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Too often we get too consumed with trying to be busy and with things that aren’t important. This verse reminds us that it is okay to slow down or stop altogether, and reminds us we can’t do everything all the time, so keep the main thing the main thing.
When you're busy and burdened, know you can find rest in God. Matthew 11:28-29 says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Instead of seeking busy work, figure out what success looks like for you, and determine what brings you love, joy, and peace, and focus on those things.
Seek God to help you determine what is important and what isn’t.
SOMETHING(s) TO THINK ABOUT
2 - Are you more like Mary or Martha? Do you find yourself overly busy, or do you know how to slow down and enjoy the moment?
3 - What is something that has you stressed that you don’t need to be too concerned with or stressed about?
4 - How can you find peace about it? Is it something you can put off for later, delegate to someone else, or not do altogether?
My prayer:
Our Father. Thank you for the many blessings you have given me, and thank you for giving me the drive to want to be successful. But please help me figure out what success looks like for me and how to protect my time effectively. Please help me figure out what’s most important, and help me to leave behind what isn’t. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.
For a printable PDF version of this post, click here: Mary and Martha: Slow Down
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