October 31, 2011 Devotional

One Thing

                                   
"And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed...
                                       Luke 10:41-42
 
Ever felt like a Martha? Are you a Type A personality? Busy? Compelled to serve? Feel obligated to coordinate, organize and take care of details? Hello, Martha! These are actually great qualities - as long as they don't take us away from the "one thing" that is needed. And, the "one thing" needed is time with the Lord. Spending time with Jesus-hearing His voice, listening to His Word and just being with Him.

 Perhaps, we all need to more like Mary. She was able to slow down, sit still and find contentment sitting at Jesus' feet. This is something that some of us have to do intentionally. Just like you, we live a busy life, and we have to be purposeful about spending time with the Lord. We have to find those pockets of time when we can sit with Him for a while.

 This "one thing" is even more needful when we are feeling the most pressure on our schedule, and when we think we have the least amount of discretionary time. Ironically, once we slow down and listen to the Lord, we come away from times with Him with a renewed sense of peace, joy and energy- just what we need to take care of all the duties, demands and "to-do" lists.

 Keep in mind, there are always going to be many things clamoring for our attention and time, but one thing is needed. There are many distractions, cares and to-do lists, but one thing is needed. Time with Jesus is needed! Let's be proactive in finding that time every day this week.

 "Father, in the midst of all the busyness, distractions and demands I feel in my life, help me to set aside time to sit with Jesus - time to read and listen to His Word, time to sit still and slow down long enough to hear His voice. Help me remember that although other things might be important, only one thing is needed. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Beth Jones

Valley Family Church  
Kalamazoo, MI     
www.valleyfamilychurch.org