Made Like MarthaSample

Serving Out of Settledness

In the same way Jesus reclined in the home of Mary and Martha, He tenderly speaks to us from His residence in our hearts. He answers our worries and our what-ifs with Himself.

My daughter, what if you kept doing and serving, but out of settledness rather than striving? What if your frantic turned to freedom through one thing alone? 

“Wait, what? Just one thing? Remember how I get bored when there’s not much to do? On the other hand, I also get worn out when I try to do everything. But there’s Bible study, there’s prayer (which I’m pretty lousy at), there’s ministry, don’t get me started on fasting, there’s a house to clean, there’s laundry that never seems to get folded, there’s—” 

What you are striving for is already settled. I loved you in your mess, in the midst of your sin. I came to your house and you welcomed Me. You opened the door and invited Me in. But over time you have forgotten who I am. Your worrying has run you right past the Worthy One. You have overlooked the fact that I reside within your heart and am not going anywhere. Nothing you do or don’t do will change My love for you. I’m here to stay. You are enough because I am enough. You are declared complete because I have completed the work, once and for all. You are free to sit, stand, work, and rest because of what I have accomplished on the cross. It is done! 

I AM the one thing. 

“Whoa. I can stop striving because You cleaned the mess of sin, once and for all? I’ve made it so complicated. I’ve tried to obtain and keep what is already mine through a lot of sweat and tears.” 

Only one thing is necessary, and I already did it. Your part is to believe and receive. Rest in grace. You won’t get bored. Take off that ill-fitting backpack full of self-imposed burdens and unwrap grace instead. My yoke is easy and My burden is light. I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. 

What a relief that salvation does not depend on us! We don’t have to earn approval! We can keep doing, but it’s no longer a means to gain worth. 

In what ways do you try to gain worth in God’s eyes?