August 5 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 68–69; Romans 8:1–21

Priority of God’s Presence

Mary has chosen what is better. Luke 10:42

READ Luke 10:38–42

In 2009, a research team at one university studied more than two hundred students in an experiment that included switching between tasks and memory exercises. Surprisingly, the study found that students who viewed themselves as good multi-taskers, because they were in the habit of doing several things at once, did worse than those who preferred to perform one task at a time. Multi-tasking made it more difficult to focus their thoughts and filter irrelevant information. Maintaining focus when our minds are distracted can be a challenge.

When Jesus visited Mary and Martha’s home, Martha was busy working and “distracted by all the preparations” (Luke 10:40). Her sister Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus teach, gaining wisdom and peace that would never be taken away from her (vv. 39–42). When Martha asked Jesus to encourage Mary to help her, He responded, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one” (vv. 41–42).

God desires our attention. But, like Martha, we’re often distracted by tasks and problems. We neglect God’s presence even though He alone can provide the wisdom and hope we need. When we make spending time with Him through prayer and meditating on Scripture a priority, He’ll give us the guidance and strength we need to address the challenges we face.

By Kimya Loder

What has taken your focus away from God? How might shifting it back to Him bring you clarity?

Dear Father, sometimes I try to juggle so many things. Please help me to remove those distractions and draw closer to You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Mary and Martha had a brother named Lazarus with whom they shared a home in the village of Bethany (John 11:1–2). Jesus loved these siblings (v. 5) and may have frequently lodged with them. He miraculously raised Lazarus after he’d been dead for four days (vv. 17–44). Six days before Passover, Martha prepared a meal to honour Jesus. While Christ reclined at the table with Lazarus, Mary poured an expensive jar of perfume on His feet and then wiped them with her hair ( 11:2; 12:1–3).