Daily Devotional

Jesus points out a very valuable lesson to us in these three short verses. You see, Jesus knew Martha was busy working — we know that too! But Jesus exclamation to Martha is profound, "Thou art careful and troubled about many things."

Have you ever noticed how much busier people get when they are troubled? They cannot sit quietly. They want to occupy themselves to help them run away from the problem at hand. They think that by burying themselves in work their problems will disappear. Martha had a lot on her mind, too; she was anxious (that is what "careful" means in this verse) and disturbed (or troubled) and she too thought that keeping herself occupied is going to change the situation.

But one thing is needful, Martha — just one thing! Mary must have had troubles too, no doubt. But Mary chose a slightly different approach to finding that peace that Martha was looking for and so desperately needed. Beloved, it is easy to get so entangled in work or in the family or with the spouse, or even in ministry, that you forget that God is not a slave. God is a gracious Father that wants to spend time with you.

He wants you to sit at His feet, tell Him about your cares and your troubles, and just take some time out to receive His counsel, His peace and His rest. The Bible says, "Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

One thing I have desired, Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple." May that be your prayer today.