Lord, Keep Me in the Moment

HAVE YOU been staying awake wondering why your life is passing you by? Have you been waking up thinking if you could make a change?

Let this be your prayer, "Lord, keep me in the moment—let me not miss what you have for me. Show me what matters that I may live a life pleasing to you."

The Narrative

AS JESUS and his disciples travelled, they entered a small village where Martha was a resident, and she welcomed him into her home.

She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to his teaching.

But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen—she had to cater to her guests.

After a while, Martha walked into the room where Jesus sat.

"Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen for me? Tell her to lend me a hand," she said.

"Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course and won't be taken from her," Jesus replied. (Luke 10:38-42)

Are you worried or anxious?

MARTHA had a legitimate concern—she had several mouths to feed, and she was overwhelmed.

It's great to be concerned, but God does not want you to be anxious.

Instead of worrying, pray. (Philippians 4:6-7)

God never wants any circumstance to steal your joy—neither does he want you to lose your peace.

And when the devil cannot steal your joy, he cannot have your goods – Corrie Ten Boom.

When a desire consumes you, you become anxious—and when you are agitated by a thing, you enter the realm of anxiety.

Sarai did not know that anxiety fragments one's thinking—and when she couldn't have a child, she gave her maid to her husband to be his wife. (Genesis 16:3)

Anxiety is not an escape but a trap.

There isn't any temptation that you have experienced, which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

You don't have to lose it—you have to lay it at the feet of Jesus.

The Peace of God is available in swelling emotions—all you have to do is accept it.

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)

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You don't have to lose it, just lay it

Are you distracted?

MARTHA was quite a remarkable woman.

In her days, it was rare for a lady to manage her household affairs and invite a man into her home. She did both.

Martha was distracted—she had to attend to many things.

Many of us have the qualities of Mary and Martha in us: we misplace our priorities and forget that our relationship with God is vital to our existence.

We let our busy lives of service distract us—and we spend less time with Jesus and His Word.

And Jesus said, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7)

BRINGING IT TOGETHER

MARY was in the moment when she sat at the feet of Jesus.

And he praised her for choosing the main course which no one can take from her.

When you do the needful, God considers it a badge of honour.

As you step into the week, tell the Lord to keep you in the moment, so you will not miss what he has for you.

Have a great week.