This morning I read from one of my favorite devotions (Jesus Calling) and from Luke 10, along with some other passages. There in Luke is the familiar story of the two sisters, Mary and Martha. If you haven’t read about these ladies, I strongly encourage you to, especially you ladies. In some ways, I think us women have a bit more trouble with the Martha syndrome. You see, I tend to be more of a Martha most times. I want to fix everything, I want everything just right, I’m a strong detail person, I like to think I’m in control, and I forget sometimes that the very best thing I can do is just sit at Jesus’ feet the way Mary did. The Bible says that Mary “…has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” In my heart I want to be a Mary, but often, I struggle and strive and I turn back into a Martha.
The good news is, that I’m growing and changing and realizing more and more that I really do need to choose the better thing. Any time spent sitting quietly in God’s Word, in worship and in prayer is definitely the better thing. I’m not saying I have this all down, because boy I don’t! Just ask my family and friends!
This morning was Day 3 back on the old treadmill. (the treadmill of exercise, and of life by the way!) I put my iPod on full volume and went to work. As usual, another one of my favorite songs came on. It was “Our God” by Chris Tomlin. The bridge in that beautiful, encouraging song goes like this, “And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, then what could stand against…”. Well, as I thought about the whole Mary and Martha thing, and as I reflected on the whole “then what could stand against…”, I actually could think of a LOT of things that feel like they are standing “against” us. It just seems like these days there are lots and lots of hard things. I think we all wonder whether there are actually more difficulties, or whether it’s just our age or the times or whatever, but the truth is, now is the time we live in and it feels like a lot to me. (And for some of my dearest friends too, I happen to know) Sometimes we let these difficulties pile up on us.
Anyway, as I reflected and listened to the song on the treadmill, I began to pray out loud. I was honest with God and I told Him how I felt about the song lyrics and His promises concerning trials and about the things that come up against us. As I prayed, I told Him that with everything in me I want to believe these words, that if He is with us and for us, (and He is!) then nothing, can stand against us. As my deep, agonizing prayer finished, I did believe it more than ever. I did realize that no matter what, nothing can separate us from Him or His love. You see, in my heart and mind, I cannot help but live with that hope. I really don’t know how not to. Because I am His child, my heart won’t let me think any other way. It is wired into me that He is my HOPE! And yours too!
His Word tells us that we will have trials, but that He will never leave us alone in them. Today’s time on the treadmill and in study revealed again to me just how deeply desperate I am for Him. I absolutely cannot live without Him, nor would I want to try. The more I know Him, the more I see just how much I need Him and the more I see how much I need Him, the more I want to know Him. It’s a beautiful cycle.
As much as I sometimes dread getting out of my warm, cozy bed and going out to our chilly garage to get on that blasted machine, more and more I look forward to that time of worship, prayer and reflection with my Lord. So, maybe, just maybe, I am becoming less of a Martha kind of girl and more and more of a Mary kind of girl. So, the next time you see or hear me acting like Martha, gently remind me that I must rest at His feet and that I do not have to take on the world by myself, because, if my God is with me, and He is, then nothing can stand against me or stop me…or you!! Well, I’m sure Martha did have some things that she really did need to get done at some point, as do I, so I’m back to work! J
God bless and thanks for reading!
Jesus Calling: Young, Sarah, Thomas Nelson; Special and Rev edition (October 12, 2004)
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996 (electronic ed.) (Lk 10:42). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Our God: Tomlin, Reeves, Myrin and Redman, 2010 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Said And Done Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), SHOUT! Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
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