The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions?” - Luke 10:41
Martha was a friend of Jesus. The Bible tells us she was a hard-working, hospitable woman of faith. She generously opened her home to Jesus and His disciples and set about the business of caring for her guests. But somewhere in the midst of all her work and preparations, she became frustrated. She watched as her sister, Mary, sat with Jesus, basking in His presence and fixed on His words.
Martha was left to handle the serving responsibilities. She may have felt stressed and overwhelmed. Perhaps she was jealous. Perhaps she was just having an off day. Clearly she thought things were unfair. Whatever the cause, she took a jab at Mary by asking Jesus to tell her to help out and do her part. Not one of Martha’s finer moves. Martha had become distracted from what mattered most in that moment—Jesus.
Where have you become distracted? It happens to each of us from time to time. Are there areas in your life where stress and anxiety have overshadowed the joy in what you’re doing? The demands of daily life can be troubling and exhausting. And sometimes our selfish side taps us on the shoulder and has us comparing ourselves with others and feeling short-changed.
Where has God been whispering your name and inviting you to sit in His presence?
As with Martha, Jesus answers our frustration by lovingly reminding us what matters most. His Word brings perspective and renewed life. As we trust Him with our every worry and anxious thought, we receive His boundless peace. There is always a place for us in His presence.
CLOSING PRAYER
Jesus, we thank you for the loving way You guide our hearts back to You when we’ve become distracted. Remind us to make space in our busy lives to sit at Your feet and read Your Word. Keep our hearts and minds aligned with You. In Your name we pray, Amen.