Modern Psalms: Bring Me Back to the Good Part
‘Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village [called Bethany], and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching. But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, “Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.” But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”’ (Luke 10: 38-42, AMP)
Hey Pops,
I find myself longing for you more and more these days. I know what it feels like to be so close to your side, and I miss that. Like Mary, I’ve sat at your feet and listened carefully and hungrily to your every word.
I know what it’s like to live so intimately with you, so when I start to run dry, I feel it harshly.
Lord, you know me. You are aware of every personality trait that you created me to have. When I am filled with your love, it moves me with a strong desire to serve others and share the goodness that I’ve seen in your presence. But sometimes, that desire is the very thing that moves me out of that sweet place of being with you.
Sometimes I get so excited that I race ahead. I become Martha and prioritize the wrong things. I allow my love for you to drive me to serve others so fervently that I forget to turn back to the God that satisfied me in the first place. I forget devotion to the One who inspired me to lay down my life and pick up my cross.
Forgive me for my own inconsistency. Forgive me for constantly flipping the posture of my heart. Help me to realign my priorities into something that will help me balance personal devotion and the calling you put so passionately on my heart.
Lord, I know you created me to love projects and responsibility, but help me to never let busy-work take precedence over knowing you and spending time with you. Without you and your love, my projects become obligations. Without you and your wisdom, my responsibilities to further your kingdom and share your heart become tasks. Without you, my ministries become chores and frustrations.
I know the vision you’ve given me, so help me to not be bitter towards those who see and steward your will differently. Give me the grace to not point fingers like Martha. Give me the wisdom to know which projects to leave for tomorrow, so I don’t miss the opportunity to sit with you like Mary. Help me to remember that filling my cup is my first responsibility and that drinking deep from you is the only worthwhile allotment of my time.
Lord, I ask that you would remind me that the things I do in your name come from a desire to glorify your name. Shield me from things like pride, that would cause me to seek self-satisfaction and personal praise over magnifying you.
Today, I am making the intentional decision to return to your feet, Jesus. I sit at your feet again and wait patiently for you to pour out whatever it is that you’ve been waiting to say. Strip away anyone or anything that would distract me from this place of devotion. I lay every task I’ve created for myself down and choose to soak in the wonder of your presence.
Fill me again, Lord. Let my desire to serve you come second to the desire of wanting to be with you and know you deeply.
I thank you that moments like these cannot be taken away from me, no matter how inconsistent I am. Thank you for reminding me that I need to sit with the Lover of my soul. Thank you for reminding me to listen, and thank you for inviting me back into the sweetness of your presence.
I love you, Pops. Until next time,
Cortney
