Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in the town of Bethany. They were very different people, as sisters often are. Martha was probably the elder, and she invited Jesus to her home. Then, like a good host, Martha set about serving all the guests. She was very busy with all the preparation, and she became distracted.

Soon the visitation of Jesus became a chore to her, and the joy of serving became a frustration. Martha was anxious and troubled about many trivial things that evening. She became so busy working that she missed a chance to spend time with Jesus while He was there. It turns out that was the most important part of the evening, for all too soon, Jesus was gone.

Mary delighted in listening to Jesus. She sat at His feet and listened to Him teach while Martha continued working. Finally, Martha got so upset with all the serving that she approached Jesus and said, "tell Mary to help me." Jesus refused and said that Mary had chosen what was best, and it wouldn't be taken away from her.

When you get busy, under pressure, and a lot of people depend on you, it is easy to feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. You may feel as if you don't get this done today that it will be the most horrible thing in the world, but it won't.

You may even lose focus on the Lord and what is actually important. You start to focus on your performance or lack thereof. We flatter ourselves by thinking that we are so important. When we are dead, the world will continue on just as it did yesterday because it does not revolve around us.

Don't get so busy that you no longer enjoy your life, because there is coming a time when it will be gone. God is the one who makes the sunrise in the morning, not us. So keep your priorities straight. Make God a part of your life, and set aside time for Him intentionally. Don't turn your relationship with God into a chore, and then blame Him for visiting you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to see the big picture and not get so caught up in the details of serving You. Please bring the joy of the Lord back into my life and refresh my spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.