Have you ever noticed that no matter how hard you work for God, it doesn’t seem to help you feel the intimacy that you long for with him? A few years ago, I had gotten to the point of feeling drained and depleted. This season of exhaustion found me asking God for renewal in energy and focus. As I drew near to God I heard him speak to my spirit that I needed renewed joy. Yes! Joy! How had I lost my joy? A few days later, God affirmed his word to me as I read Psalm 16:11,
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (NIV)
This started a journey for me, that I am still living out. God began to show me the difference in a Christian’s life of being a servant versus being a son. Luke 10:38-41 describes a visit that Jesus and the disciples had in the home of Martha and Mary.
The scripture shares that Martha had opened her home to them and was busy preparing what was needed.
Vs.40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
I suspect that Martha had a deep desire to honor Jesus and his followers by serving them and caring for their needs. If Martha in the Bible was anything like Martha Stewart today, she probably had an eye for detail and wanted everything to be perfect. It is so easy to set high standards and expectations when we want to do our best for God. We can get so busy with details that at times we forget to ask God what he wants from us. There have been times in my life that I just assumed that being a “good” Christian meant that I teach a Sunday School class, cook a casserole for the new mother and family, serve at the local shelter and keep up with the laundry in my own home. WHEW! Now, while all of these things are loving things to do, I’ve been learning that as I slow down long enough to quiet my heart before the Father, he is perfectly capable of telling me what he is wanting me to focus on. Of course just like Mary, I had to learn how to sit with Jesus and listen.
Vs. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Vs. 41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Servants serve to be loved and accepted. Usually there is a fear of rejection or failure that promotes feelings of obligation. Sons know they are loved and serve out of a life of abundant freedom. They don’t have to worry that they haven’t done “enough” because they feel the Father’s loving acceptance of them. The world isn’t drawn into God’s family because we offer them a lot of services. The world can offer services, often with more efficiency and excellence than the religious community. The world needs to see God’s family flowing with the love and power that Jesus opened for us when he became the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:29)
Steps in Pursuit
- Honestly take some time to take an inventory of your activities. Are there things you are doing out of obligation to God, rather than from freedom?
- Set aside a day to rest in the Lord. This could involve time out in nature or a quiet space at home to listen to his heart for you. Write down the things that you are discerning in the stillness.
- Prayerfully consider a next step to adjusting your schedule to regain balance in the work and rest flow of life.
While Martha’s heart was revealing her desire to love Jesus through serving, Mary’s listening to Jesus brought a blessing. If you go back and read Psalm 16 it says we find joy in God’s presence. Friends, I pray that your joy is renewed also as you sit and soak in his love for you!
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
