Strive Less - Listen More

Christmas is almost here. For many of us, it can be a very busy time of year. Parties, family gatherings, and shopping for gifts get added to going to work and the day-to-day things we all do. Let me remind you to keep your quiet time with the Lord a priority. Don't be so consumed by all the doing and forget what is most important.

In Luke 10:38-42, we read about two sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus was visiting their home, and Martha was doing what was expected. She was being a wonderful hostess, making sure her honored guest was being served and cared for. On the other hand, her sister was sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to everything He said. When Martha complained to Jesus about her sister leaving her to do all the work, Jesus said these words to her: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

Taking care of our responsibilities and serving others is a good thing but taking time to sit at Jesus' feet and hear what it is He has to say, that is the most important thing. It is when we spend time with the Lord that we are filled with strength, we come to know Him better, and His Spirit teaches us and fills us with His love. We can then go and serve others and do whatever it is that the Father asks of us. These times are precious and should be cherished. Think about the person you love most in this world. Think of how you delight in spending time with them, in hearing their heart, and in sharing yours. Every moment spent together deepens your relationship. This is what we can have with the Lord.

During the busyness of life, I want to challenge you to be intentional about spending time sitting in God's presence, speaking to Him through prayer, and allowing Him to speak to you through His Word as the Holy Spirit gives you understanding. If you feel the gentle prompting of the Spirit to come away and spend time with Him, lay down whatever it is you are doing and sit at the feet of your Savior. Jesus made spending time with the Father a priority, and we should do the same.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for my dear friend reading this. As they navigate this busy time of year, may they remember who it is we are celebrating. Please help them to lay aside the business and rest in your presence. Give them a hunger to know you, and may they pursue a closer relationship with you. May they delight in you, as you delight in them.

In the precious name of Jesus,

Amen

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.