“But Martha was distracted with much serving…” – Luke 10:40 (ESV)
We live in a world that rewards Martha’s behaviour as described in the above Scripture. Productivity is praised. Busyness is worn as a badge of honour. Our calendars are crammed, our to-do lists endless, our phones constantly buzzing with notifications demanding immediate attention. We collapse into bed exhausted, only to wake up and do it all again.
Even in ministry, we can fall into the trap. There are sermons to prepare, people to visit, events to organise, emails to answer, problems to solve, etc. The needs are real. The work is important. And slowly, subtly, our service for God replaces our intimacy with God.
Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher, once said: “We are often so busy doing the work of the Lord that we forget the Lord of the work.” The result? Spiritual dryness. Compassion fatigue. A creeping cynicism. We give and give until there’s nothing left to give. We speak about God’s love while running on empty, our souls as dry as desert sand.
Martha wasn’t wrong for serving in Luke 10:38-42. Service is beautiful and necessary. The problem was that her service had become disconnected from its Source. She was pouring out without being poured into. She was drawing from a well that had run dry.
When we sit at the feet of Jesus, something profound begins to happen. It’s not passive, it’s perhaps the most active, transformative thing we can do.
First, our perspective is restored. When you’re caught up in the whirlwind of daily demands, everything seems equally urgent. But in His presence, clarity comes. What truly matters rises to the surface. What doesn’t matter falls away. You begin to see your life, your struggles, your relationships, your calling through His eyes rather than your own anxiety-filtered lens.
Second, peace replaces anxiety. Martha was “anxious and troubled.” The Greek word suggests inner turmoil, a storm of the soul. But Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet, was at rest. Not because her circumstances were easier, but because she was anchored to the One who commands the storms. His presence doesn’t remove all our problems, but it changes our relationship to them. We stop fighting alone. We start resting in His strength.
Third, purpose is clarified. So many believers wander through life without clear direction, saying yes to everything because they don’t know their specific calling. But time at Jesus’ feet brings focus. He reveals the unique assignment He has for you, not someone else’s calling, but yours. You stop comparing. You stop striving. You start walking in confidence.
Fourth, power is received. You cannot give what you do not have. Ministry that flows from intimacy is sustainable. Ministry that runs on willpower eventually crashes. When you sit at Jesus’ feet, you’re not being lazy, you’re being filled. You’re receiving the love, wisdom, strength, and compassion that you’ll need for everything else.
Fifth, your identity is secured. The world defines us by what we do. Jesus defines us by whose we are. When you sit at His feet, you’re reminded that you are His beloved child, not because of your performance, but because of His grace. This unshakeable identity becomes the foundation for everything else.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today, I choose differently. I choose the good portion. I choose You, not just Your blessings, not just Your answers, not just Your help with my problems, but You. Your presence. Your voice. Your heart. Quiet my restless soulLord. Still my racing thoughts. Help me to be fully present with You, not distracted by everything waiting for my attention. Teach me to linger. Teach me to listen. Teach me to receive. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 27:4; Matthew 11:28-30
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 2:12-22; Matthew 14:1-21; Genesis 40; Genesis 41:1-40