Many years ago a book came out that was called Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World by Joanna Weaver. If you were in any women's group of Bible study- then you at least heard of it. And if you read it then you were certainly impacted by it.
Well, as I am going through my own trials right now, The Holy Spirit brought the title back to mind and obviously what I gained from the read. But the word is even more pressing today than when it came out.
Are you more of a Mary or a Martha?
Honestly, in terms of temperament I am definitely more of a Mary- I love to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His beautiful, soothing and healing words! And if I could have my way- that would be all I would do all day long! No, I am not one who loves the pace of the world or the latest technology or the hippest social media craze. In fact, it makes me dizzy and irritable. If I could change anything- it would be to take us back to more simple times and ways of life. But that's just wishful thinking. We are a far cry from those times and sadly, we won't go back.
But even though my temperament is more of a camel than a hare. I can't honestly say that I have no similarities to Martha.
In fact, I think we all do.
I can get distracted by the business of the day or schedule and forget to pray. I can let stress get the best and bring out the worst of me. I can worry about the children, my marriage, our family. I can let the world around me affect me negatively and aggravate my flesh causing me to grieve or even quench The Holy Spirit.
Yeah, it's not so easy to always be still and know, but it is possible. In fact, it is the good portion.
Jesus tells us plainly: "but one thing is necessary" (Luke 10:42)
Do you know what that one thing is?
To sit at The Lord's feet and listen to His teaching (Luke 10:39)
Are you doing this? Am I?
As women we forget that we don't have to be everyone's superhero. In fact, we can't. Believe me I've tried! It's impossible.
Even more impossible if we don't even take the time to start our day in His word and remember to abide in The Vine!
I know many wonderful and well-meaning Christian women who pride themselves in their ministries, church contributions or helps or charitable works, etc. And all of that is great. But if they are doing it on their own strength and agenda and will (Martha), then they have not chosen the 'good portion" (Luke 10:42).
These days are infested with distractions. In fact you'd be hard-pressed to not be distracted- unless you completely went off the grid and lived in the country somewhere.
But we are called to be in the world without being stained by it.
Not so easily done. But if we abide in The Vine, then we can.
As I mentioned earlier, I am going through some trials that are very challenging. And if I'm not cognizant, I can find myself being very careful with the things of this life and world.
It seems a strange and perhaps a frightening thing to let go of this life and all it's natural or self-made concerns so that we can be free to be able to deal with life. But that's exactly what we are called to do: live a life completely trusting on The One who gave it to us.
Sometimes we can forget that our born-again Christian live began with a decision to trust The Lord to save our life. Do we now think the rest of it is reliant on how well we care for it? No. We should be giving our life over to The Lord daily, surrendering our doubts and fears and cares, allowing The Holy Spirit to sanctify us and being transformed more into the image of Christ.
It is not easy. But it is possible.
May this post gently remind you today...One thing is needful: to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen.
Helpful verses to remind us to rest:
Matthew 11:28-30
Proverbs 3
Philippians 4:6-8
John 16:33
John 14
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