Word of the Day
It is very important in the days ahead to take some time to rest. When you become weary, overloaded and burdened by many unfulfilled expectations on yourself and others, irritation, anger and resentment can easily make their way into your heart.
If you could ask Martha, what do you think she would tell you about duty and busyness among the manifest beauty of My presence? A moment with Me can make time-crunched days and situations move in slow motion in order to get all things done. The sun did stop for Joshua, now didn’t it? At the very least, time with Me, will make you move with such great peace it will seem as if the sun has stood still on your behalf. Can your worry, fretting, or comparing, add one hair to your head? No, it cannot, but it can turn them gray. Don’t ever think that more is always better. It just isn’t.
I know you feel like you must always be doing something. It is programmed in you by your past and the world you live in. You must settle down into the quietness of My presence, away from the crowd (Psalm 131:2, Mark 6:31). Settle down by the still waters (Psalms 23:1-2). Do you think I would neglect to fulfill the destiny and purpose of one who loves Me so much? My Word does not say I look upon the busyness of a heart to determine value. It says I look upon the motive and I know your motive is love. Please don’t try to impress Me with activity. It is not what I am after. I am after your heart.
Beloved, you are much harder on yourself than I; you forget My goodness, My kindness and mercy. Allow yourself to be washed and cleansed with My Word, which releases My kindness and leads you to repentance (Romans 2:4). Spend some extra time with Me today and you will be greatly rewarded in ways you can’t imagine. I have come to rest abundantly in your heart.
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31 NIV)
Prayer
Lord, I come to lie down in green pastures and wade in the waters of Your presence. Time with You is like sitting by gentle flowing streams of mercy and grace. I come to receive in my time of need. Let Your peace flood my mind, will and emotions. May the sun stand still on my behalf today as I rest in You. I let go of the world’s programming and embrace eternal principals of hearing and doing only what You say to do. In doing this, I will always be successful. I receive Your mercy and grace today. I come boldly before the throne in my time of need with the guarantee I will receive all I need. Rest abundantly in my heart today as I sit undisturbed at Your feet. Amen
Reflect and Journal
1. In what ways is your relationship with the Lord like Martha’s?
2. What traps have you fell into by thinking more is better?
3. Are you afraid to say “NO!”? If so, ponder the whys and wherefores. Who are you trying to please, God or man?
1. My quiet time is the first thing in the morning, while my husband is still sleeping. I read my devotional material, write in my journal “What God Said to Me,” and direct my attention towards God and my Savior, Jesus. My day’s activities always seem to push me away from what I really need in my life, so a good beginning is so important to me.
2. When more is better, translates into financial circumstances of getting more, time spent doing “busy” things though not always at home, and the happenings in life which seem to hinder and not give me spiritual growth. I would choose to be more simple in my approach to situations.
To be more alert on whether or not I am following His path. I hope this makes sense.
3. I try to please both…..but I do know God comes first and should be the uppermost concern in my everyday dealings with the world.