As I was reading through the Redeemed study book I came across a statement by Angela Thomas Pharr that filled in some more of the meditation picture. She said, "God does not pitch out His blessings to those who are far off. Instead, His blessings are reserved for those who draw near."
Immediately my mind went to the Mary and Martha story. Mary sat a Jesus' feet wrapped in His love, drawing near to Him, listening intently to His Words. Meanwhile, Martha was serving, busy with everything but God. Her focus was on work when it was time to bask in the nearness of her Creator and Savior. Let me just state for the record....I completely understand Martha. I am a doer by nature, sitting and basking do not come naturally to me. And it is a HARD attitude to overcome. I'm pretty sure we need to be a combination of both Mary and Martha and it's all a matter of timing.
How many things distract each day? Our phones alone offer almost unlimited distratctions....texts, messages, internet, games, emails....Do you turn your phone off or leave it in another room while spending time with God? Unfortunately I do not, but I will be starting this practice tomorrow. (I'd do it today but I really don't want to get up from writing this LOL). How about the to do lists...does it take the place of spending time with God? Do we let it crowd out His presence in our lives, failing to take time to sit at His feet and just be with Him? What about the needs of others? While being a blessing is part of what we do as Christians, as family members, as friends, employees, church members, our first priority is always to be God Himself. Protecting and treasuring the time with Jesus needs to be paramount, and part of that time needs to be just thinking on Him being open to His voice.
Nothing can be accomplished apart from Jesus. So how is it we think we can go through our day without soaking in His presence, His love, His mercy, His grace, wisdom and direction? All these are found when we meditate on our God. John 15:5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
More and more I am seeing the importance of this meditating thing. Even right now, the fact that my cats have found a way to get into the box spring of my bed as I sit typing this is threatening the time I am with Him with the need to fix it. Nothing is going to happen if they hang out there for a little bit. LOL
Lord, we need You. We need Your Presence, we need to sit with You. Often. I am praying that we all learn how to make this a practice, many times throughout the day. I want to take time to breath in Your Presence, Your peace, Your love. I, we need this more than anything. Lord thank You for the teaching You gave Angela, is been such a blessing. Open our hearts to You. Change our lives!
Start taking God breaks!!
Luke 10: 38-42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
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