Distracted by details...

(Luke 10:40-42 NLT) “But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to You that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

How many things fight for our attention, pulling us away from the one thing that matters? Somehow we have it backwards just a small part of our day is given to our Lord Jesus while details distract us as Martha was distracted. On the surface Martha could not understand why Mary was not helping, there were many people visiting because of their special guest and the same number expecting to be fed but those were plans and expectations of men and not of God. Had Martha done likewise, Jesus would have provided as He did when he fed the multitude with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Jesus allowed Mary to escape to a place where she could lay down the burdens of life for a while and grow in His Word, while Martha met the expectations she and others put upon herself as a good host. Martha misunderstood, people were not there to see her or even for the meal; all the people were there to see Jesus.

How does that apply to our lives? Too many times we concern ourselves with things that do not matter because of expectations brought on by self-centered thoughts. It may have the appearance of being good but if you look deeper many times God is left out.

Father God, thank you for being involved in our lives, thanks for not being too busy for us as we are with you sometimes. Open the eyes of our spirit so that we may see what holds eternal value, for many things fight for our attention. You know our hearts and you see what we place center stage, may that be you! Bring us back and allow us to exchange the pride we’ve accumulated for humility and honor. We ask for your blessings but realize in order to receive them we must take time to sit at your feet.

How do you listen?

(Luke 8:18 NLT) "So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them."

How often do we hear without listening? I know from my own experiences pressures of life can cause a numbing effect; you know what is right but fail to act upon it. Soon even the things you thought you knew will fall away and you’re left looking for direction. Fortunately, God is faithful in that He consistently gives us new opportunities to listen to what we are hearing and if we are hearing His voice He will lead us out of the quick sand we were headed for. Read your Bible today, pray, and listen – (Psalms 46:1 NLT) “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”