Tag: #busyness

The Mary and Martha Within Us

I am constantly juggling starting the day with God versus my long to-do lists. Some days, I remember to say ‘Good Morning, Jesus!’ and thank Him for a brand new day. But once I touch my phone, it is a slippery slop of distractions – list of things to remember and things to do.

Martha: Distracted by Duty

There is nothing wrong with what Martha was doing – after all, she was serving Jesus. But her busyness became a distraction. In today’s world, our busyness has become a measure of our productivity. We are pressured to perform, achieve and accomplish. In the process, we become too busy to carve out time to be in His presence.

But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” – Luke 10:40

Mary: Anchored in Presence

Mary chose to sit down and listen to Jesus, much to Martha’s annoyance. Mary recognise that Jesus was in the room, and chose to be in His presence and listen to His Words. She chose His presence over worldly pressure.

How often do we stop and sit still – to be in God’s presence and truly listen to His words?

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching – Luke 10:39

The One Thing That’s Needed

Jesus didn’t scold Martha – He gently invited her back to what matters most. He showed her that in the midst of all our obligations and responsibilities, one thing is truly necessary – Him. God is asking us to prioritise His presence in our busy lives.

“Martha, Martha… you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:41–42 (ESV)

My Invitation

This is my invitation to you today: to choose the portion that is most important, which is to anchor in God’s presence, and don’t let anyone or anything take it away from you.

His Whispers In Our Busyness

In the hustle bustle of a busy life, it is a challenge to discern the soft whispers of the Holy Spirit amidst the noise of the world. We are constantly moving from one place to another, juggling multiple tasks and assuming multiple roles at one time. Is it a wonder that we suffer from burnout and mental exhaustion?

God Speaks Differently than What We Expect

Elijah was expecting to hear God in the earthquake and fire, but God came in a whisper. In our noisy world, shouting the loudest to be heard seems obvious. But God wants us to quiet our hearts and lean in to Him to hear His soft whisper.

“And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” — 1 Kings 19:12 (KJV)

Busyness is the Modern Enemy of Hearing

Oftentimes, we wear “busyness” like a badge of honour, a sign of high productivity, even creativity. Eventually, it is through pain and suffering that we finally hear His voice, as that is when we stop struggling with our own futile efforts and finally surrender to Him. When our faith is attacked, or when our bodies break down, or when our relationships break up. Do we want to be so busy that we ignore God, neglect our health, and ruin our relationships? God asks us to pause.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

When We Listen, We Gain So Much

God reaches out to us every day in hundreds of little ways – from the morning sunrise, the friendly hello, the call you’ve been waiting for, the insight from a book or video – to enjoying a simple warm meal.

He constantly reminds us of who we are – beloved children of God. He orchestrates great plans for our lives. He picks us up with we fall. He nudges us many times when we are hesitant. He is always patient with us. He guides and leads us in the right path – under His plan, protection and blessings.

“Whether you turn to right or left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way…'” (Isaiah 30:21)

My Invitation

This is my invitation to you today: to intentionally pause, listen to God’s whispers and delight in His presence.