Connecting With God

The story of Martha & Mary in Luke 10 give us a solemn and shocking truth—Sometimes serving God can get in the way of connecting with God.  Hard to imagine isn’t it?  But realize that Martha was busy preparing a meal and a house for Jesus. Yet, Mary is who we are to follow in that she was the one who truly connected with Jesus.  There are a few ways she was able to do that:

• Mary got still.  Being busy is not a virtue, just as being still is not a vice.  Jesus greatly valued being away from the hustle & bustle of life to connect to God (Mark 1:35).  Is stillness built into your life?
• Mary listened.  Mary was intently focused on Jesus, but noticed that it does not say that he was teaching.  Mary just wanted to study and get as much from the words of Jesus that she could (v. 39). Jesus still speaks to us and He still speaks many times in a day. We can hear Him in the events in a day, in the counsel of godly individuals, and most of all in His Word.  Are you listening for Jesus? What has He told you recently?
• Mary humbled herself.  Mary was at Jesus’ feet (v. 39). This was a position that was taken by most disciples to their Rabbi (Teacher).  In this position she was submitting to learn from Jesus in contrast to Martha who, although using the designation Lord, was so busy doing what she felt was best that she became “distracted” from Jesus (v. 40).

Ask God to show you ways you might mirror Mary’s example, then do it. 
• Consider what keeps you from being still before God. Are there activities that you do not need to be involved in that you are? Do you have a set time to sit quietly with the Lord?
• Consider what creates distractions to your hearing from God. Are there times in your day when you have all electronic items turned off so you can listen to God?
• Consider how humble you are before God. Do you ask God about most decisions you make in a day?  Is connecting with God one of the ‘needs’ you have in life?
I pray God’s blessing on you in this process.