Daily Devotionals

In or Out Week 3 Monday

Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. Luke 10:39-40a

Have you ever been so busy that you completely forgot to eat lunch or dinner? Unfortunately, it happens to all of us. We can be so wrapped up in our to-do list, responsibilities, and busy schedules that we realize we completely missed a meal. Now, while missing a meal is relatively harmless, our business can keep us from other things that matter. At the top of the list, we can become so busy that we miss Jesus and valuable time to spend with Him.

Luke 10 tells us about a time where a woman named Martha could relate to being so busy that she missed invaluable time with Jesus. In this chapter, we find that Martha invited Jesus into her home while they were traveling. Her sister, Mary, was also there. While they were all gathered in Martha’s home, Scripture teaches us that Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching, and Martha was “distracted by the big dinner she was preparing” (verses 39-40). Now, let’s be clear that Martha was doing what was “right” and expected in her culture. She was caring for her guests by feeding them, something truly important. But in her distraction, she was missing valuable time with Jesus, learning from Him and interacting with Him. In her distraction and business, she was missing Jesus.

Maybe you can relate to Martha. I know I can at times. It’s easy to become so overwhelmed with good things that we forget to make time for Jesus. While these things are not necessarily bad, they are not what’s best, especially when they cause us to miss Jesus. We need to learn God’s instruction in Psalm 46:10, which Mary knew: “Be still and know that I am God.” So let’s commit today to slow down, looking for opportunities to meet with Jesus and hear from Him every single day. 

Moving Toward Action

Take a few minutes to evaluate how you have been spending your time. Has your schedule become so full, or have you been so busy, that you have missed valuable time with Jesus? How can you intentionally prioritize your time with Jesus each day? Maybe you need to set your alarm 20 minutes early to read your Bible and pray, or maybe you need to carve out 30 minutes during your lunch break to spend some time with God. Whatever you decide, set time in your schedule to intentionally spend time with God every single day this week.

Going Deeper

Psalm 46:1-11 (NLT)

God is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

A river brings joy to the city of our God,

the sacred home of the Most High.

God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.

From the very break of day, God will protect it.

The nations are in chaos,

and their kingdoms crumble!

God’s voice thunders,

and the earth melts!

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:

See how he brings destruction upon the world.

He causes wars to end throughout the earth.

He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.”

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.