“When my troubling thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations comfort my soul.”

~Psalm 94:19 TLV

 

Have you ever had to reread the same scriptures repeatedly because your focus drifted to a past issue, someone who had irritated you, or the many items on your to-do list?

Since we cannot change the past or know our future, taking a deep dive into this abyss of darkness is pointless. If not put in check, the destructive forces of worry and anxiety can steal our peace.

The story of Martha and Mary in Luke, chapter ten, gives us nuggets on how to deal with these emotions. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about the lives of these two women, but there are some assumptions we can make. For one, they both believed in and loved Jesus.

One could surmise that Martha had the gift of hospitality since she was the one who invited Jesus and His twelve disciples to stay at their home. She took pride in her demanding work and wanted to make an impression. Being a task-oriented person, I imagine she expected her sister to adopt her priorities, so everything on her checklist got done.

Growing up in a household with four sisters, our differing opinions often created a recipe for sibling rivalry–trying to get each other, or our parents, to side with our way of thinking.

Since we are not told if Martha asked her sister for help or pulled her aside to talk, it’s likely they had squabbled in the past over their differences. With all the mouths to feed, it’s possible Mary’s lack of support provoked Martha, and she planned to teach her sister a lesson by pointing out her shortcomings to all their guests. What a triumphant moment Martha would have when the Messiah scolded her sister and demanded she help. But just the opposite happened.

 “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

~Luke 10:41-42 NLT

Martha’s worry and agitation stole her peace and distorted her perspective. After all, Jesus had already fed thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread and fish. She could have easily requested He do the same and joined everyone. I’m sure Jesus appreciated Martha’s eagerness to serve, but what He really wanted was her heart.

When worry and anxiousness affect our ability to focus and impact our priorities and performance, they deprive us of the present and can influence the future. There will always be something to worry about because it is a part of life and unavoidable. But the Bible gives us a clue on how to tame these thoughts.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your mind with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.”

~Philippians 4:8 The Voice

Like Mary, take the prime spot and sit at the feet of Jesus when worry comes knocking. Allow His presence to penetrate your heart and mind.

Do you have a regular time to tarry with Jesus?

My Heavenly Father, when the enemy tries to distract or fill my mind with worry, help me remember that there is no weapon formed against me that can prosper, and if I say flee, the enemy must leave. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction 

Copyright 2022: Martha Moments: Irene Wintermyer: All Rights Reserved