Sitting at His Feet
When I first got married, I lived in Beaufort, SC. The ministry that we are a part of is in Hanahan, SC (in the greater Charleston area). So, if you are from this area, you have gathered that we lived about 1 and 1/2 hours away from our church.
But that did not stop us from being faithful to the ministry.
For years, we were at every bible study. Every worship service. Every choir rehearsal. Almost every church event or function...we were there.
I started playing the keyboard for our church. I had no prior knowledge of how to play. No formal training.
So, not only were we traveling several times a week in an effort to be faithful, I would spent hours on end trying to learn how to play. Many late nights, many early mornings.
Some would say, "Wow! Super Saint!" It would appear that I was doing all of the right things. But one thing was missing. The most important thing. A true relationship with the Lord.
I was so busy serving that I did not take the time to sit at His feet and learn of Him.
I was much like Martha.
In the bible, Martha had opened her home up to Jesus and His disciples. She was so distracted by all of the preparations that had to be made, that she never took the time to listen to him as he taught in her home.
As a matter of fact Martha got angry with her sister, Mary, because she chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and take it allll in. Martha said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work all by myself? Tell her to help me!"
His response was "Martha, Martha. You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10: 38-42)
He was right there. Ready to receive me as His own. Ready to show me His unconditional love. Ready to teach me His ways and His statues. Ready to show me my value to Him and to the kingdom.
He was right there. And I missed Him.
I missed him because I was busy. I was so preoccupied with the workings of the church, that I missed out on experiencing true love and discipleship.
The workings of the church are important. Assembling yourselves with the saints is vital.
Wouldn't it be a shame to be a part of every committee, volunteer for camps, be a Sunday school teacher, a youth and women's group leader, and miss Jesus?
Wouldn't it be a shame to make every effort to pour into everyone around you and not have your cup filled by the only one that can satisfy?
Wouldn't it be a shame to experience burnout, which can in turn lead to bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness, because of trying to please people instead of trying to please God?
Sis, I refuse.
The demands of life are always going to be there. Jobs, taking care of husband and children, being active in ministry will always be there. I implore you. Always take the time to sit at His feet.
At His feet is where you will find Joy. At His feet is where you will find comfort and peace.
At His feet is where you will find courage and strength.
At His feet where you get direction, and learn His ways...what pleases Him and what grieves Him.
Find that quiet time, where it is just you and Him.
I strongly believe that Mary at some point would have gotten up to help her sister. Mary just had her priorities straight.
He is right there. He is always there. He is waiting to pour into you and love on you.