Recently I have found myself having to make the same choice over and over again. The scenario plays out in a variety of ways but each is essentially the same: Will I allow myself to be distracted by the concerns and cares of life and ministry or will I devote myself to spending time in worship and prayer? Each time is a struggle. Each time I have to make a deliberate decision. There are so many legitimate needs, so many questions to be answered and tasks to be completed. I feel the pull, the tension in my soul, to run around in a frenzy of activity, because after all there is so much to be done. In the midst of all the loud cries around me, I hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit beckoning me, “Will you lay aside the distractions? Will you come and sit with Me? Will you calm and quiet your soul and enter into the secret place of My Presence?” A choice must be made.

In Luke 10, two sisters also faced this same dilemma: Mary and Martha. Martha recognized that there were things to be done and needs to be met. She wanted to be helpful and to serve, but her priorities were misaligned. Her service left her distracted from the “one thing that was needed.” She was frustrated with her younger sister, Mary, who was being “unproductive” by just sitting at the feet of Jesus. Martha thought her to be negligent because there were tasks to be completed and she wasn’t helping. Martha appeals to Jesus, saying, “Tell her to help me.” Jesus kindly responds to Martha. He says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled by so many things. But only one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken from her.” In essence, He says, “Martha, the dishes can pile up, lunch can wait and the cleaning can be postponed. In the midst of all the busyness and activity, Mary has made a great choice. She has chosen to sit at my feet and hear My words. This is the one thing that is needed; this is choosing the good part. And the wisdom of Mary’s choice will be reaped throughout all eternity.”

Today, like Mary, I want to choose the good part. I want to make the conscious decision to say “no” to the multitude of distracting thoughts. I want to let my “to do list” wait. I want to reject the inward desire to busy myself with a flurry of activity. Today, I want to recognize that only one thing is needed. I want to be found at the feet of Jesus, hearing His words, and lavishing my love on Him. Will you choose the good part, today?

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This is the story of my life, right now. But by and by, the Lord is good. He's giving me the hunger to hunger.

Lord, here I am! Do as you please!

Recent Random Remark: "Igloos are dangerous."

Bible Verse: Revelation 16. O.o