This is one of those mornings when God woke me up. I wasn’t sure why, but I decided to do some Bible Journaling since I couldn’t sleep. The Bible study today had me reading Luke 10:38-42 where Jesus is admonishing Martha for being so upset that Mary wasn’t helping her and for being so anxious about what needed to be done. I’m focusing on verses 41 and 42, “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chose the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (KJV)
Martha was so anxious about making sure everything was absolutely perfect for her dinner party with Jesus as the honored guest. Verse 40 says she was “encumbered”. The lady was stressed out, and to top it all off, her sister Mary, wasn’t helping, she was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His teaching, and she was a little ticked at her sister!
But Jesus had to remind Martha that some things are more important than others. Mary had chosen to focus on what was truly important, her spiritual well-being. Now, Jesus wasn’t telling Martha not to work on preparations for the party, but He was telling her that it wasn’t necessary to get so stressed….it doesn’t have to be perfect or elaborate. All she needed to do is put a few items together, nothin’ fancy, just something nice, and enjoy the time with Jesus.
The Bible tells us not to be anxious in several places. Philippians 4-6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (NASB) This verse has a reward attached to it. Verse 7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (NASB) The reward is PEACE!
For most people, the first reaction to a stressful situation is anxiety, not peace. They forget that the first action should be prayer! No problem or situation is too big for God to handle. Worrying doesn’t solve anything, in fact, it brings nothing but problems. Studies have shown that those who are constantly in a state of anxiousness are more likely to have health problems, physically, mentally, and emotionally. God never intended for us to live our lives in a perpetual state of anxiety.
The idea that everything must be absolutely perfect, did not come from God. We put ourselves under so much stress trying to do things with perfection, that we forget…. WE AREN’T PERFECT! Only God can claim that title, so it only stands to reason that we will never get everything perfect. Strive for excellence, not perfection! And if it doesn’t turn out super awesome…you did your best and be happy with that, and give God glory for the results.
Do I get this right every time? No, and I probably never will. But I am working on it. The old hymn we sing in church comes to mind…
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray,
In fathomless billows of love!
Are you longing for that peace? Does it seem to elude you and you are wallowing in a pit of worry and stress? Rest in Him, trust Him to be the answer to the problems and situations that would rob you of your peace. Then sit back and watch Him work miracles in your life!
donnasmusings 