Beside the Still Waters

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.

— Luke 10:42

Many people are offended when they read the story of Mary and Martha in the Scripture. I would venture to say that if a hundred people read that passage, they would say that Martha, who is very busy tending to the guests and fixing the food after the traumatic event of Lazarus’ death, was certainly the hero of the plot. “Do ­nothing” Mary, who is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to Him, was certainly the lesser of the two. Whereas Jesus said of Mary that she had chosen the better part.

This is a lesson that type A personalities need to learn. We need to hear afresh. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a). We need to know that sitting and listening to the Word of Christ may be more important than the activity everyone else may be applauding. We need to learn how to change our thinking about what is really important in life.

All our stress and busyness should be put at the feet of Jesus. When we learn to spend time there every day, to be still and hear from Him, then we will know that it is the better choice. It is the “good part.” There, at the feet of Christ, we will find peace, refreshment, and renewal. At the start of this New Year, why not resolve to spend time daily at the feet of Jesus? He invites us to come and sit “beside the still waters.”

Question to ponder:
Are you taking enough time to be still and be with Jesus?