For the last couple years, I have been (*ahem*) too busy to attend Bible study for myself. That hasn’t kept me from wanting to be in Bible study. Remember, friends…I’m a recovering over-scheduler. And it’s true. Until now, I don’t know how I would have physically managed to be in one more place. Clearly, I’ve had my priorities in perfect working order.
A time or two (or more) over the last year or so, I’ve even found myself just sitting and holding my Bible, because my body and brain were simply too tired to open and absorb. The reason for being tired was so worthwhile, though! I was fishing! I was serving others. Being a wife, mom, friend and a caring community member requires acts of service…and acts of service require time. Why, oh why, Lord, are there only 34…I mean, 24 hours in a day?
I’m not being cavalier here, peeps. There’s nothing wrong with a servant’s heart. Paul reminds us of the importance of caring for one another and finding joy in doing so.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. ~ Mark 10:45 (NLT)
I’ve been a Martha, friends. Holy frijoles. It’s true. I’ve even called out some of my friends who’ve needed to rest, but who have been so focused on serving others that they refused to take time to care for themselves.
“Girl, don’t you know God can’t use you if you don’t feed yourself, too?” Riiiiiight. Ladies, your response should have quickly been, “Hi, Pot. I’m Kettle. You’re black.”
‘Cause I’m guilty, too. I’ve been a Martha. I didn’t even realize it…until yesterday.
God bless Tima Brown. I don’t usually add names of friends and families, but I have to toot Tima’s horn. This sweet young mom who God placed in my life through one of my volunteer commitments has allowed God to use her to light a fire in my heart for study again. Yesterday, I darkened the doorway to a new Bible study group. Didn’t know a soul. It wasn’t my home church. We don’t even talk about our home churches.
The first rule of Bible study is that you don’t talk about Bible study. Oh, stop. I couldn’t resist…
Anyway, there was nothing for me to prepare or bring. All I had to do was show up. It was just a group of ladies in The Word. And OH, MY WORD.
As I looked around that little chapel and listened to these precious women singing, a sense of warmth and peace just washed over me. Then, we broke into small groups. More blessings. Just a group of women marinading in The Word. I thought, “THIS! THIS is why I’ve been starving!”
Yes, people. I read my Bible. I read with the Bible with my children. I pray to God for discernment and guidance as I prepare devotionals for other moms and their tween girls. While I was fishing, though, I forgot to eat!
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 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. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” ~ Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)
That’s no bueno. Please make me a Mary, Lord. Yes, please use me, too, but let me marinade in Your Word. Let your Word soften my heart and enrich my soul. I want to feast on scripture and savor every, single bite.
Tom Cruise doesn’t complete me. To be honest…ewww. YOU complete me, Lord. Your Word completes me. Please fan the fire that You have ignited in my soul, and don’t let me extinguish it, Lord.
So, I’m not only a recovering over-scheduler, but I’m also a new member of the Recovering Marthas. Will you pray with me, friends? Please join me in asking God to help each of us resist our Martha tendencies. Let’s lift one another up, encouraging one another through love and prayer. Let us gently remind one another to rest when we need to rest and eat when we need to eat. Marinade in The Word, my friends. As often as possible.
