The Peril of Missing Jesus in the Midst of Busyness
res to others in the wee hours of the morning. We're dependable, anointed, and respected. But beneath the surface, we may be quietly drowning.
The danger lies not in serving itself, but in allowing our service to distract us from our primary calling - to know and love Jesus. As 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, we are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Our identity and purpose are rooted in our relationship with God, not in our accomplishments for Him.
So how do we avoid falling into the "Martha trap" and ensure we're cultivating a vibrant relationship with Jesus? Here are a few key principles to consider:
Prioritize time with God: Just as Daniel made it a habit to pray three times a day (Daniel 6:10), we need to establish regular times of communion with God. This isn't about checking a box, but about cultivating a genuine relationship.
Be still and listen: Psalm 46:10 encourages us to "Be still, and know that I am God." In our hurried lives, we often struggle with silence and stillness. Yet it's in these quiet moments that we often hear God's voice most clearly.
Seek God's presence, not just His presents: It's easy to fall into the trap of seeking God only for what He can do for us. Instead, we should cultivate a desire for God Himself, echoing the psalmist's words: "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple" (Psalm 27:4).
Allow yourself to be vulnerable: Church culture sometimes teaches us that vulnerability is weakness. But true strength comes from acknowledging our need for God and others. As James 5:16 reminds us, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
Remember that busyness isn't necessarily godliness: Sometimes we equate a packed schedule with spiritual maturity. But Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God needed time alone with the Father, how much more do we?
Let go of performance-based Christianity: God's love for us isn't based on what we do, but on who He is. Romans 5:8 tells us that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We don't have to earn His love or approval.
Cultivate a long-term faith: Like Daniel, who maintained his faith despite threats and persecution, we need to develop a steadfast trust in God that withstands life's challenges. This kind of faith is built through consistent time in God's presence.
As we reflect on these principles, it's important to remember that God isn't impressed with our hustle - He's waiting for our surrender. He doesn't just want our works; He wants our hearts. He invites us to put down our trays of service and take our place at His feet.
This doesn't mean we stop serving altogether. Rather, it means we serve from a place of intimacy with God, allowing His love and guidance to flow through us to others. When we prioritize our relationship with Jesus, everything else falls into its proper place.
If you find yourself feeling distant from God, overwhelmed by life's demands, or spiritually parched despite your busy schedule, it may be time to reassess. The good news is that God is always near to those who call on Him (Psalm 145:18). He invites us to hear of His steadfast love in the morning (Psalm 143:8) and promises to be close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Today, you have the opportunity to choose the "better part" like Mary did. You can decide to prioritize your relationship with Jesus above all else. This might mean saying no to some good things to say yes to the best thing. It might mean creating margin in your schedule for quiet time with God. It might mean being vulnerable with trusted friends about your spiritual struggles.
Whatever it looks like for you, remember that Jesus is waiting with open arms. He longs for your company far more than your service. As you draw near to Him, you'll find that everything else - your work, your relationships, your ministry - will be enriched by His presence in your life.
So today, will you choose to sit at Jesus' feet? Will you allow Him to speak into your life, to guide your steps, and to fill you with His love? The invitation is open. The choice is yours. May we all have the wisdom to choose what is better - a deep, abiding relationship with our Savior.
