Key Scripture
“She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.” — Luke 10:39 (AMP)
Devotion
As women, we are often busy. There’s housework to do, children to tend to, jobs to manage, meals to cook, and elderly or sick parents to care for. The list can seem endless! But in the middle of all this chaos, where do we find time to rest at the feet of Jesus?
In Luke 10, we find Martha preparing a meal for Jesus and His disciples. Being a good hostess, she’s busy in the kitchen, stirring pots, preparing food, and making sure everything is just right. Perhaps the dishes are piling up, the food is threatening to burn, and she’s getting a little frustrated. She turns to find her sister, Mary, who is nowhere to be found.
“Where is Mary? Mary, Mary!”
Finally, she discovers Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching. Seriously, Mary? I’m doing all the work, and you’re just sitting there?
Martha has had enough and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But His response is unexpected:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part.” — Luke 10:41–42 (AMP)
Scripture doesn’t tell us how Martha responded. Was she frustrated? Embarrassed? Humbled? Did she return to the kitchen still grumbling? We don’t know. But we do know that Jesus gently reminded her that being busy for Him should never take the place of being present with Him.
How often do we do the same thing? We get so caught up in taking care of everyone and everything that we neglect the One who gives us the strength to do it all.
Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:29 to learn from Him, promising that we will find rest for our souls. He doesn’t expect us to carry every burden alone. He wants us to bring our worries, responsibilities, and exhaustion to Him. He wants to be part of our everyday moments, not just the moments when we finally have nothing left to do.
Sisters, today, give yourself permission to pause. Spend time in His presence. Listen to His voice. Let Him renew your strength and remind you of what truly matters.
The laundry can wait. The dishes can wait. Your to-do list will still be there. But don’t let the busyness of doing things for Jesus keep you from simply being with Jesus.
Today, let’s practice being human beings, not just human doings. Sit at His feet, receive His love, and allow Him to carry what has become too heavy for you.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Forgive us for the times we become so consumed with doing that we forget to simply be with You.
Quiet our busy minds, settle our anxious hearts, and help us recognize what truly matters.
Teach us to slow down, sit at Your feet, hear Your voice, and receive the rest only You can give.
Help us release the burdens we were never meant to carry alone and trust You with the things we cannot control.
May our service flow from our relationship with You, rather than replace it.
Today, Lord, help us choose the good part and find our peace in Your presence.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen!
Personal Growth Scriptures
Psalm 46:10 — Be still and know that He is God.
Matthew 11:28–30 — Come to Jesus for rest when you are weary and burdened.
Psalm 23:1–3 — The Lord is our Shepherd; He restores our souls.
John 15:4–5 — Abide in Christ, because apart from Him we can do nothing.
Isaiah 40:31 — Those who hope in the Lord renew their strength.
Philippians 4:6–7 — Bring your anxieties to God in prayer and receive His peace.
Luke 10:41–42 — Choose the better part by prioritizing time in Jesus’ presence.
Encourage one more heart.
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