Why am I so busy? Why do I feel like I have never worked enough? Why do I feel like I go around and around in circles. Getting the house to that perfect state – keeping up with the housework, keeping a variety of meals on the table, shopping frugally, keeping up physical appearances, training the children, being a good wife – do, do, do. Do these things give me my self worth – if I get these things done, if I am a success in these areas am I a worthy person, a worthy wife, will I validate my existence, am I a success in life?
I wonder if Martha was like that. She was busy, she knew it was “right” all these things that she had to get done, but she wasn't able to just BE in the LORD'S presence and be content. She had to be doing.
What would Jesus want of me? What did Jesus do?
Jesus worked, he taught, he traveled, he had people with him all the time those who were close to him and crowds who followed him. He met their needs, he gave them more than they expected.
But… He also gives us another example – He spent time just being. Being Jesus, Son of God, in His Fathers presence.
This is what should give me my identity, my value, my self worth – the fact that I am a daughter of the King, His child!
The practical people cry out and say, “Well, Jesus had to eat! That is all Martha was looking after!” This is true – there are physical and practical things in life that do need to be looked after – but how much easier to look after them after spending refreshing time with the Lord, after hearing my Father talking to me, His daughter.
God made me – He is the one who can give me my self worth – He is the only one who can validate my existence – not a perfect house, not well trained children, and not a happy husband. I need to make sure I am doing these things because practically they need to be done but do them as the Daughter of the King – remembering, that is what He called me this morning in His Throne room!
Hi Belinda,
I was searching through the Aussie net ring and came across your site once again. I think I’ll include you on my friends list, if you don’t mind. Flicking through the web ring is proving to be something I don’t get around to as much as I’d intended.
Thanks for today’s post. I’ve been thinking along the same lines as you. I think our culture encourages us to have a “Martha” syndrome. Just this morning, I read a great reply to the question. “Who are you?”
“I am someone Jesus loves.” It truly is enough, but I have to keep reminding myself or I get caught up in all the busy-ness and frustration again. Is it the same for you?
That is sooo true! I need to beat myself over the head with that one!
Melissa