Allyson King, KGM Team Member
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God…”
As we approach the holidays, I have been dreading the amount of things that I feel need to be done each year in preparation for the festivities. From Thanksgiving to New Years, life seems to travel at warp speed with parties and shopping and travel as we gather to celebrate with family and friends. Add in work, school, family or ministry obligations and suddenly we are completely overwhelmed and frazzled to the core.
While we can pare down our to-do lists somewhat, this is only part of the answer in how to handle the holiday crush. In the midst of our doing,
- We must find balance during this time of year.
- We must take time to be still and consider the reason for our celebration.
- We must make time to truly worship the Lord and contemplate all He has done for us.
Our generation is not the first to feel pressured to get everything done—and not just done, but done perfectly at that! In Luke chapter 10, we meet a pair of sisters named Martha and Mary. As Jesus traveled through their village of Bethany, Martha opened her home to Jesus. The men gathered to listen to Jesus teach while Martha toiled away in the kitchen. Her sister, Mary, was drawn in by what Jesus was saying and she sat down at His feet to listen. Scripture tells us, “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” Not only was she distracted, but when she realized that Mary was just sitting and listening to Jesus, she got upset and went to Jesus to complain. She said to Him, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (verse 40)
I think we can all identify with Martha – she wants everything to be perfect and Mary’s not helping her set that perfect table! Perhaps if she brings this to His attention, Jesus would scold Mary and get her to help out in the kitchen.
BUT Jesus surprised her as He answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (verses 41-42)
Martha had her priorities in the wrong order. She was worried about feeding the bodies of her guests. Mary, on the other hand, was allowing Jesus to nourish her soul. She was being filled with spiritual food which would give her strength to serve those Jesus put in her path with a sweet spirit. This is exactly what Martha needed also—time spent with Jesus!
While serving Jesus and others is a noble and needed task, simply sitting with Him is the most important thing we can do. When we take the time to sit quietly and soak in His Word and His presence, all of sudden it is easier to manage all the preparations and tasks on our list. And as we sit with Jesus, our spirit is refreshed and we can share Him with those in our paths during this busy chaotic holiday season.
As we approach Christmas, I challenge you to make time each and everyday to sit with Jesus and allow Him to nourish your soul and spirit.
Then enjoy all the season has to offer!
When Worry Tries to Drive the Wonder out of Christmas;
Lessons from Mary, Jesus’ Mother
Luncheon – NEXT FRIDAY, December 16th
Special Gift to first 60 Registrants!
More Information and Registration HERE
Speaker: Debbie Wilson!
