Erika recorded episode 6 of The Podcast four years ago, and she shared ways to help you revisit and rearrange your priorities. The intention behind that episode was to help you be present and celebrate this year, rather than be anxious about your to-do list and the what-ifs the mind tends to conjure. That’s still her heart, and that’s my heart in this post.

Are You a Mary or a Martha?

I love quiet time with the Lord. I understand how holy it is and how healthy it is for my spiritual wellness. Yet, I sometimes have the attitude and desire for perfectionism during that time. I want the perfect setup. I prefer to have a pretty journal, my favorite pen, a cup of hot tea, a silent house, and my favorite spot on the couch. To be honest, I’m guilty of having skipped my quiet time because I couldn’t guarantee the “perfect” set up in order to meet with God. 

What was missing? How did I end up there?

You probably guessed it. The issue is my mindset. My attitude about quiet time, hosting, and all other endeavors requires transformation. Why isn’t my desire simply to be in the presence of my Savior? He isn’t looking for a lovely candle to be lit or a cozy blanket. Nothing we bring before Him will make Him look on us with more favor. The only thing He cares about is our heart and our desire to be with Him. 

In Luke 10, Jesus said of Mary to her sister Martha “but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:42) Mary chose to sit at the Lord’s feet simply because she loved Him. She wanted to learn from Him and to grow closer to Him. She just wanted to be in His presence. In the eyes of a busy woman with a mounting task list, there were so many other things she could have done; good things, even helpful things. This triggered a sense of distress in Martha because she took ownership of that task list. Yet, Mary’s priorities were praised by Jesus when she chose Jesus over everything and everyone else. She chose Him. 

Mary’s actions demonstrate a posture of gratitude. Consider this: what says “I’m so thankful you’re here” louder than giving that person your time and attention? I can’t think of anything. In fact, Mary’s choice to be present with Jesus and attentive to Him spoke volumes of how thankful she must have been for Him to have time with her. The same goes for us. God is always available to hang out with us. However, just as Jesus didn’t force Martha to lay down her busyness, He will not force us to choose Him over other tasks or activities.

Is Jesus Reduced to a Task on Your To-Do List?

I’m often guilty of choosing something or someone over Jesus. In that regard, I must admit that I reduce my time with Him to a task on my to-do list. I’m a pretty busy momma and I have lots of responsibilities. As a result, I tend to get stressed and often feel exhausted. My mind often jumps from one thought to the next and, honestly, I sometimes get overwhelmed because of the number of mental tabs I have open. In an effort to destress and self-regulate at the end of the day, I can get lost in shows and books. 

In fact, I’m guilty of having chosen to binge watch shows for days, staying up far too late, rather than taking 30 minutes to be in the presence of the Lord. For some reason, I get it in my head that I need to watch that show…right at that moment. I must know what happens next, and I need to know immediately. However, the reality is that we live in a world where streaming services make it possible to pause and come back later. The show and story will still be there. 

When I choose something else over Jesus, I demonstrate what is most important to me. What’s most disappointing is how I justify my decisions. I tell myself that it’s okay to change my priorities because this other thing I like [enter other thing here] is fun or interesting. I tell myself that I can be with the Lord later because what I want is more important. 

However, the short term satisfaction dies pretty quickly because I then feel guilty. I feel like I need to make it up to God and create a perfect atmosphere for us to meet in. When that [inevitably] fails, I stop trying and just give up.  

Can you relate? If you do, I hope you know there’s hope for us. We actually don’t have to carry this burden of guilt and stay stuck in a cycle that does more harm than good. 

Redirection: What Do The Scriptures Say?

One of my favorite passages is Psalm 51:16-19. It reminds me that God doesn’t require anything of me other than my willingness and obedience. Here’s what the Psalmist said:

 “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God,
you will not despise. Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; 
build up the walls of Jerusalem; then will you delight in right sacrifices, 
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.”

God is not vain. He doesn’t want a pretty setup. He doesn’t need “proof” that we love Him. He wants us to come to Him simply because we love Him. He wants us to be willing to grow and obey. He wants us to choose Him, and have a spirit and heart posture of surrender. 

Journal Prompts for the Christian Woman

I hope you take some time this week to consider these questions to help you place time spent in the presence of the Lord in the right priority. Remember why you’re doing the things you’re doing. There is a reason only you have. That reason will be different, woman to woman. Consider taking a few minutes to journal these questions and get vulnerable about where your heart truly is. 

• Why are you seeking the Lord?
• What [on your agenda] is most important to you? 
• If spending time with the Lord is an act of gratitude, what will it cost you to be more grateful?
• Does the look of your time with God matter more than the result of it?
• What is the eternal effect? What are you ultimately seeking?

As we prepare for Thanksgiving here in the USA, my sincere prayer is that you would slow down and focus on God. Practicing gratitude is a fantastic way to do that. So, I invite you to consider what Paul said to the church at Thessalonica here: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

Stop for a minute and just think about yourself in the presence of the Lord. Can you picture yourself in front of a mighty and powerful God Who loves you and created you for relationship with HIM? What if you just committed a small portion of each day this week to meditating on how much God loves you and desires to have intimacy with you? How might that change your perspective? How might that change your life?

I know I’ll be working on this myself. With that, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, friend! The HRS team will be praying for you during this holiday season, and asking the Lord to help you to lay down your Martha habits and step into your own Mary moments.

Love, 

Mary 

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