“Worry may be the presenting symptom, but distraction is the root illness.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 31, 2023
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42, NIV
Like so many stories in Scripture, there are inexhaustible lessons to be learned, if we have the eyes and ears to see and hear them. Take, for example, the well-known and loved story of Mary and Martha hosting Jesus in their home. For example, often we focus on the words of Jesus to Martha, “you are worried and upset about many things.” Yet to feel the full weight of these words, we must also focus upon the verse that immediately precedes them: “Martha was distracted.”
Worry may be the presenting symptom, but distraction is the root illness.
In truth, whenever you or I are overcome by worry and anxiety, chances are it is because we have allowed our hearts and minds to be distracted and pulled in an infinite number of directions. And while these distractions may be harmful or inherently broken, so often this is not the case! We are distracted by good things! The needs of aging parents. Caring for and faithfully raising young children. Securing steady work in order to provide for ourselves and those we love. Healthy eating and exercise to care for our bodies. On and on the list could go.
And while these needs, and countless more like them, are a necessary part of our life and attention, if we do not have a singular devotion to Christ that supersedes and informs them all, we will easily be lost in a sea of worry and fear. Remember today the Lord’s words to a faithful yet distracted woman he loved: “few things are needed—or indeed only one.”
When we sit at the feet of the master with expectant hearts, it isn’t that every other burden magically vanishes. No, the cares of the world are always with us, yet if our attention is set fully upon Christ, we begin to see these needs through the lens of his kingdom, learning to live each and every day in the light of his love. And so, as we look to and learn from Martha, let us also embrace the example of Mary, who “chose what was better,” abiding in the eternal life of God that cannot be quenched or taken away.
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11, NIV).
Prayer
Father, give us attentive hearts that are unwaveringly set on you, so that the cares of this life may be transformed by your love, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Ask yourself today: in what ways am I most distracted by the cares of this world?
Related Reading
Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:2; 1 Peter 5:8
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship: One Thing
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
