Troubled in Life

Luke 10:41 “…you are anxious and troubled about many things.” (ESV)

There is so much going on during this time that many are losing faith in humanity, government leaders, employers, and, dare I say, God. On every news channel (from local to world news) you see wars, murders, government deception and coverups; ungodly preachers, deceiving ministries, and so many other ungodly acts. On top of all this, we have the highest inflation numbers and gas prices I’ve ever seen, job layoffs, churches closing their doors due to loss of membership, and families being destroyed for various reasons. Let us also recognize the evilness in the hearts of those behind mass shootings. There’s so much going on in today’s world that causes even the most seasoned Christians to have anxiety and be troubled in their hearts and minds.

If we explore Luke 10:38-42, we will find two types of people. One distracted and full of anxiety; while the other was focused on the right "things", and so therefore was able to be at peace.

As the story goes, there were two sisters, Martha and Mary, and Jesus (who was in their company by way of invitation). Jesus was traveling ministering the gospel, and Martha welcomed Jesus unexpectedly into her and her sister’s home. Can you imagine asking Jesus into your house unexpectedly? 

During Jesus' visit, Martha was busy doing good work as she was making meal preparations and making sure things were in order---it is customary to take care of guests that you invite into your home. Naturally, Martha must have felt the pressure to have the Guest, Jesus, whose reputation preceded Him, in her home. I can imagine Martha trying to cook her best meal, doing her best to make sure Jesus had something to drink and snack on as He waited for dinner, and she was likely cleaning and trying to take care of all the household chores that she felt needed to be completed (after all, Jesus was in the house!).

So, here was Martha busy doing all the work in honor of their special Guest's visit; while Mary was sitting at His feet. We can imagine what this scene must have looked like…every time Martha finished doing one task, she saw something else that she felt like needed to be done. She was busy doing a good work, but the question is, was it all necessary? 

At some point Martha became frustrated with the lack of her sister's help, that she eventually complains to Jesus about her sister. Jesus responds by telling her, “There is only one thing worth being concerned about.” (NLT).

Martha, though her heart was in the right place, became so consumed with everything around her that she lost focus of her Special Guest; her chores became of great importance, so much so that they distracted her from Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, understood that the only thing that mattered the most, was being at the feet of the Lord—-there was so much to be gained from sitting at His feet. 

So it is today. Many are becoming distracted by all the things going on in this world, and so much so that they have taken their eyes off Jesus. It is important to remember that even with all of our worries, concerns, duties, and responsibilities; and in spite of the evil and wickedness that we see daily, there is still quietness at the feet of Jesus. Instead of elevating our own circumstances, and  frustrations of the evilness of what we see and hear throughout our countries and communities, let us magnify Christ Jesus our Lord so that He can be our quietness. When we do so, like the psalmist in Psalm 119:173, we too can say with peace and confidence, “Let your hand be ready to help, for I have chosen your precepts.” (ESV). 

God Bless You,
Minister R.O.H.