Worried and Bothered

 Many, many people today are stressed out. We are so worried about things. There are so many things that bother us. All we think about is how to get everything done that we think we need to do. We worry about money and the things money can buy. We are bothered when we do not get to do the things we want to do, and do them the way we want to do them. All of this just leads to a lot of dissatisfaction, even among Christians. Jesus ran into this situation, and He gave us the solution. He went to visit in the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, siblings in Bethany of Judea. Jesus was teaching, but Martha was worried and bothered about many things. (Luke 10:41,42) She was upset with her sister, Mary, since she was sitting at Jesus' feet listening to Him. She asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but Jesus told Martha that only one thing was necessary, and Mary had chosen that thing. He was not going to take that from her. I hope we can all see what Jesus was saying to Martha and to us.

When we are worried and bothered, we have our focus on the wrong things in life. We are trying to control things, and to work out our own plan for doing everything. That never works. We can't do it, even if we think we can. We need to change our focus, so that our eyes are set on the Lord and the things of His kingdom. Then, we have peace in our heart, instead of worry. We are not bothered by things, because we are letting Him take care of them and guide us in what we should do. As we stop doing other things, and spend time hearing from the Lord, many things become clear, and they become easier. We see that much of what we think we have to do is not necessary. We also see that time with the Lord is absolutely necessary for our peace of mind and our joy. Therefore, let's decide to be like Mary, not like Martha. We can choose not to be worried and bothered by many things, but to select the one thing that is necessary. Then, life will be so much better.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 12-15.