Sitting at His Feet

Martha had welcomed Jesus into her house and began preparing dinner for them while her sister, Mary, chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to what He taught. She got so frustrated having to do all the work while her sister wasn’t even lending a helping hand. Subsequently she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, and, as we read in today’s scripture, His answer had the opposite reaction.

I can so relate to how Martha must’ve felt. Can’t we just get the dinner going and then there will be time to listen to Jesus’ teaching? I so easily get caught up in all the things I think need to be done, while the more important things aren’t always prioritised.

This is something that often happens when we get anxious and troubled over issues in our lives. We get so distracted by all the small details while trying to work out solutions and answers to our problems and questions. Eventually these details become huge in our minds and fear settles in. Today’s scripture also reminded me of how often we are the cause of our own issues. Martha probably decided out of her own to prepare a big dinner and then ended up being upset that Mary wasn’t helping her. If Jesus had asked for a big dinner, it would’ve been a different scenario.

How often do we do exactly the same? We make plans and choices without consulting the Lord. Along the way we get stressed and start looking around for someone to blame for the mess we find ourselves in. Often the Lord gets blamed too, but we never asked for His will before we started out. It could even be something good we decide to do (like the dinner Martha chose to serve), but if it wasn’t the Lord’s will for us or the situation, we did it out of our own will and sadly that’s the wrong starting point for anything.

If you find yourself in a situation like this, remember that the Lord will never condemn you or leave you on your own. Just turn to Him and bring Him the situation and your frustration; He is a Father of forgiveness and mercy and will help you even in the mess. In Psalm 103:8-9, we read, ‘The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever’ (NLT). His heart was for Martha to join Mary at His feet, and this is His heart for you too. He knows what is to your advantage.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come before You today with all my anxiety and troubles. Please forgive me for becoming so distracted by my situation that I did not turn my focus to You first of all. You are the answer to every question and the peace in the midst of the storm. I choose to sit at Your feet before I make choices about my life. Thank You that You are waiting for me to ask for Your guidance and help. Amen.