When You're in Over Your HeadSample

Day 2 – Only One Thing Is Needed

I think we’ve all been in over our heads like Martha was that day—when there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it, plus we realize that someone else on the team is not pulling their weight.

It can really stress us out, and be really irritating. Add to that, she was thinking about the 50 things she needed to do to get the dinner on the table—all without Mary’s help!

I can imagine the veins starting to stand out in Martha’s neck. She worked herself into such a state that she dashed into the living room and yelled at Jesus: “Tell my sister to help me!” (v. 40). You know you’re stressed out when you run into your living room and yell at the Lord.

But Jesus told Martha something right then that always reminds me of what to do when I have too many things racing through my mind. He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

Now, Martha thought a lot of things were needed here. Everything needed to finish cooking, the salad needed to be made, the table needed to be set, the drinks needed to be poured—and Mary needed to get up and help!

But Jesus bypassed all the noise going on in Martha’s head and said that only one thing was needed—and Mary had chosen it.

What did Mary choose?

She chose to sit at His feet. To listen to Him. To seek Him. And what she received from that time with Him could never be taken away.

That always helps me. When I’m in over my head and my mind is racing, or I think there are 100 things that need to be done, Jesus says there’s only one thing—to sit at His feet (seek Him and listen to Him). Then I can hear His voice and get His help.

When I’m trying to do too many things in my ability, or when I’m just overwhelmed by all the choices and voices, I know it’s time to stop, spend time with Him, and listen to how He says to do it.