Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 6, 2018
“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 10:41-42
Life is full of options. Do I take a gap year or do I start college immediately? Do I get engaged now, or wait until after graduate school to be married? Do I stay at my current job and learn a new skill, or do I strike out in a different career direction? Do I put a hobby on hold so I can know and instruct my little ones during this season of intense parenting? A good option can become a distraction to a better option, thus prayer and wise counsel are necessary to discern between the two. The best option trusts in the Lord and does not fret over pleasing everyone.
The service of Martha and the devotion of Mary are important and necessary to honor Christ, yet when the occasion called for an “either / or” choice, Jesus clearly defined the better option as being still in His presence. Martha’s genuine service for Jesus needed the empowerment that came from Mary’s prayers with Jesus. Listen to the Lord’s promise to Mary, “it will not be taken away from her”—devotion to Christ is a secure deposit with valuable Kingdom returns!
“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).
How do you discern between what’s good and what’s best? Consider questions like, “What’s best to grow my faith, love my family or take care of my health?” Also, remember to make relational investments a focus of your best choices. The emotional deposits you enjoy in your community are invaluable, so cherish and treasure these relationships, as you would manage your financial portfolio. Better to be present with someone special, than striving to be somebody special.
Most of all, create a routine of choosing time with Christ—the one thing needed, according to Jesus. A flourish of activity can be counterproductive in deepening our faith if not properly fueled by prayer. When our dedicated service gets ahead of our deepening devotion, we risk running ahead of the Lord. God’s plan does not require our frantic participation, but His power in our life is needed to faithfully follow His will. Worry and frustration with another’s actions fade in significance when we choose the better option of being with Jesus. Avoid asking the Lord for flaky human help and embrace heaven’s unlimited help. Choose the best and be blessed!
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you” (Psalm 63:3).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me patience and wisdom to choose the better option of being with You, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What area of my life is rushed and in need of a fresh evaluation of what’s best?
Related Reading
Psalm 37:16, 84:10, 118:8-9; Proverbs 12:9, 15:16-17, 16:16; 1 Corinthians 7:9
Post/Tweet today
A flourish of activity can be counterproductive in deepening our faith if not properly fueled by prayer. #WisdomHunters #betteroption
Worship Resource
7 minutes – Hillsong Worship:
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!
