An Awakening from Brokenness, Peace, Words of Endurance
Be Still
She had a sister, Mary,
who sat before the Master,
hanging on every word he said.
But Martha was pulled away by all
she had to do in the kitchen.
Later, she stepped in, interrupting them.
“Master, don’t you care that
my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me?
Tell her to lend me a hand.”
The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha,
you’re fussing far too much
and getting yourself worked up over nothing.
One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—
it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”
LUKE 10:39-42 (THE MESSAGE)
I have always empathized with Martha because I am so much like her – I understand her. In fact I have often shared that I could be the poster child for Martha’s Anonymous!!! The reason? I did not know how to be still because if something needed to be done – if there were items still unchecked on my to do list – I could not just simply leave it undone and take time to be still.
It has always been difficult for me to be still and receive like Martha’s sister Mary. I am ashamed to admit that the “Mary’s” in the world really irritated me because in my mind there was always so much to be done! But looking back I think that deep down I was jealous of those “Mary’s” who could block out all the “to dos” and choose the “one thing only that is essential … the main course.”
I actually had to force myself to have a quiet time. And whenever I would take time to be still before God I would struggle to keep my mind from wandering and thinking about all that needed to be done that day. I believe I had never known how to take time to be still, rest and restore my soul. I had never learned to …
“Step out of the traffic!
Take a long, loving look at me,
your High God,
above politics, above everything.”
PSALM 46:10 (THE MESSAGE)
So when I found myself burned out – broken and weak once again – I knew that I needed to – I was desperate to – change the course of my life and I knew that I certainly did not know how to do it myself. That would require help from someone other than me – once again I sought the counsel of a wise Christian Counselor.
Form your purpose by asking for counsel,
then carry it out using all the help you can get.
PROVERBS 20:18 (THE MESSAGE)
And oh how God spoke through the wisdom of my Christian Counselor. She showed me that my first step was to go back to the basics and learn to quiet my soul before God. She taught me the benefit of contemplative prayer and learning to listen to God. And through her guidance and the Holy Spirit I learned to “Be still and know that (He) is God.”
When I was beleaguered and bitter,
totally consumed by envy,
I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
in your very presence.
I’m still in your presence,
but you’ve taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me,
and then you bless me.
PSALM 73:21-24 (THE MESSAGE)
On the Journey with You,
Jan Dravecky
