I was reading again in Psalm 139 in addition to Romans 12 and in reading through the Bible plan that I follow. Interestingly enough I was still brought back to the story of Mary and Martha.
I was thinking on that and a book title that I have never read before came to mind and I did a search concerning "the tyranny of the urgent".
"Urgent tasks become a problem, though, when they prohibit people from working on and completing more important activities. When this happens, urgent tasks become “tyrants” in our work day and keep us from being the productive, goal achieving people we all want to be — thus the term, “tyranny of the urgent.”"
"Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. And she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NASB
Upon moving we have found ourselves relearning how to live without being pro-reactive. To not 'need' to plan several steps ahead in order to maintain our levels of 'peace' and 'security'. Even in a suburb of a large city such as Columbus, Ohio, you had to. It's almost a survivalist mentality. Do what you must, but then get back to your 'compound' to safety. It may not be that for everyone but it was for us.
The mentality in such cities is a driven mentality. You can go places and can maybe enjoy a moment or two, but people just are not open to relationships. If they are, most are guarded relationships.
In coming to our new hometown, it's so difficult to put into words, but it's like finally finding an oasis of sorts. Of finding people who are willing to be in relationships. Who are willing to be open.
Things still need to be done, but, whereas in most cases you were on your own about it before, now you aren't.
We struggle with words but the best umbrella word is blessed. You find yourself so blessed of God in the relief that you experience.
We are indeed a busy people. I mean everyone. We have attached so much importance to so many things.
We attached importance to time, money, possessions.
We attached importance even to our thoughts. We quickly try to decide what's important and what isn't among various important thoughts and ideas. It's so bad that we look for creative ways to make lists so that what we can't call important now but still is important, isn't forgotten by our drive to get other things done.
Philippians 4:7 NASB "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Jesus commended Mary for resting in Him. She indeed found Philippians 4:7 before it was even written.
As our Pastor's recently sermon series is about "Breaking Free From Normal" to a life God intended...this indeed is necessary to finding rest.
We can't keep believing that notifications are all that important.
We can't keep believing that what's urgent to the world should be urgent to us.
We can't keep piling on things to be doing or need done and have no time left to give to God.
We can't live that way.
Look at what things in your life you keep calling urgent.
Look at what things suck the life out of your finding rest.
Look at what things you have inadvertently been worrying about that you shouldn't be.
Martha had Jesus, in whom she believed, right there with her but was still worried. You think you're any better at it when you feel rushed?
Psalm 139 the Lord tells us of knowing of our going out and coming in.
He knew every moment of our lives before we had any.
Don't you think that if our priorities were right that we would live like we ought?
Some think that I am a bit off my rocker by getting up early to read and write. I have done this for so long that it's almost second nature. I enjoy the quiet, peaceful time at Jesus's feet. I may be up early, but go search to read how many times Jesus got up early to go be with His Father.
If it's important enough you will make time for it. If God's Will and God's Word, if God's Plans are important to you...then you will make the time.
If those are not important to you, but your hurried life is...then...well...you are a Martha. You have a significant problem.
You won't find the peace of God that passes all understanding if you keep living a hurried, busy, life that does not allow God any time in it.
You will never know rest in this life until you're on your back in a hospital, if you're so fortunate to get into one.
I have been learning to pour out my heart to God in these morning drives that I have going to work. Leaving what I pour out with God is a challenge. But when I do, I find that peace. I worry less and rest easier when I do.
Is what you're doing working in regards to growing in Christ Jesus? This includes whether or not you are in the right Church, right city, right job.
You won't find what Jesus calls peace and rest by making yourself a suffering servant for no Godly reason other than your own stubbornness in refusing to go where He’s lead you to go. To do what He's lead you to be doing.
Justifying your actions may convince you but if you know Godly people whom you trust to tell you the truth...this will help you verify the path you are on. We read that all mankind is easily deceived. It's our sin nature. We need Godly second opinions to help us get into what His plans are for us. To find that peace and rest, to be the Children of God we are to be.
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