Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

- John 15:11

While staring intently at my Christmas tree this morning, I am reflecting on the busyness of this holiday season with all the parties, shopping, cooking, etc. If you are not careful, you can quickly lose all joy and the true meaning of Christmas.

When I catch myself running around like a chicken with my head cut off, filled with anxiety, I have to laugh. A friend once told me she was my Mary, and I was her Martha. She was exactly right! Martha and I possess many of the same attributes.

Oh, don't get me wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Martha. She is a beautiful woman of God who thrives on serving, but in Luke chapter 10, we find her frazzled, upset, and begging Jesus to intervene. Maybe you know the story.

In Luke 10, Jesus decided to stop in Bethany at the home of Mary and Martha after He sent out seventy-two disciples in groups of two (Luke 10:1). I am sure that Jesus was tired.

I picture my mama's house. When I go back to East Texas, this is a place where I can rest and not lift a finger. I can relax and enjoy my visit. Somehow, time seems to slow down a little in a small town.

I imagine Jesus was looking forward to visiting His friends and resting, but just like Jesus, He would use this time as a teachable moment.

Luke 10:38 says, "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him." I love the scene where Martha opens her home to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus. What a warm welcome! Martha was a kind soul.

Do you know that's the first step in a relationship with Jesus Christ? He stands at the door, waiting for us. All we have to do is open the door and let Him enter our hearts.

Luke 10:39 states, "And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word" (NKJV). Did you notice how Mary also sat at Jesus' feet in this version? This leads me to believe Martha began the visit by sitting with Jesus before the craziness began. Together, they listened, prayed, and grew from His wisdom.

Martha quickly lost all joy when she "was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me" (Luke 10:40).

Oh, don't we wish for the same? Lord, help me with my marriage. It's falling apart. Lord, help me complete all these daily tasks. They are mounting, and I'm a single mom who is drowning. Jesus, help me mend relationships in my family. We are distant, and envy has torn us apart. Please, help put an end to this addiction. It has completely taken over my life. I have chosen my addiction over relationships and lost many good people throughout the years.

Let me assure you, sister. There is no problem so significant that God cannot solve it. In my last post, I reminded us all how He spoke "Peace, Be Still" and calmed the sea after the disciples sought Him to rescue them.

Jesus always sees the bigger picture. He can prevent any situation from happening to you, but sometimes, He uses these small nuggets in time to grow His children's faith. That is precisely what is happening in this story. Jesus is about to teach Martha a lesson she will never forget.

"And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

This holiday season, stop for a moment, pray, and sit at Jesus's feet. Dare to be different this year. Chaos will happen, but you can shine a light among your family and friends. Sit and visit. Listen to the needs of others. Don’t take a single relationship for granted. Dwell with the Savior. Find joy in His presence and stop looking for joy in this world, knowing it can’t be found. It’s only through Him that we find true joy.

To learn more about dwelling with the Savior and discovering true joy, check out my latest devotional book, Dwell with Me, at Amazon.