In the tapestry of our lives, there is a delicate thread that often goes unnoticed – the thread of intimacy with God. Amid the rush and clamor of our pursuits, it is easy to become engrossed in doing things for God, thinking that our actions alone will bring us closer to His heart. Yet, the scriptures whisper a different truth – a truth that beckons us to step back, create space, and simply sit with our Creator.
The story of Mary and Martha, captured in the Gospel of Luke, paints a vivid portrait of this timeless lesson. As Jesus visited their home, Martha, eager to ensure the perfect hospitality, busied herself with preparations, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His words and presence. When Martha expressed her frustration, Jesus gently redirected her focus: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
In these words, we find a profound revelation. Jesus, the very embodiment of God’s heart, valued Mary’s decision to simply be with Him more than all the work and bustling activity that Martha was caught up in. He cherished the sacredness of their connection, the intimate bond that transcended tasks and obligations. Jesus wasn’t dismissing Martha’s service; He was illuminating the treasure of intimacy with God, the pearl of great price that outshines all other pursuits.
In our zeal to serve, to accomplish, and to make a difference, we often overlook the quiet moments that carry immense weight in heaven’s eyes. God doesn’t measure our worth solely by the tasks we complete or the achievements we attain. He delights in us setting aside the rush of life, detaching from the noise, and creating room in our hearts to simply know Him.
This isn’t an invitation to abandon service but a call to recalibrate our priorities. Just as a garden thrives with both tending and moments of stillness, so too does our relationship with God flourish when we nurture it through both action and contemplation. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
So, dear soul, let this be a rallying cry to your heart: In your pursuit of God’s purpose, do not forsake the essence of His presence. Just as a traveler stops to admire a breathtaking sunset, take moments to bask in the radiance of His love. As a musician listens to the silence between the notes, learn to listen for His whispers in the stillness.
Let us not miss the forest for the trees, the eternal for the temporal. Let us not be so consumed by our service that we miss the opportunity to commune with the One we serve. Create space for God, not out of obligation, but out of desire. Carve out moments for Him, not just out of duty, but out of love.
In the hush of a quiet morning or the calm of a starlit night, embrace the sacred invitation to be with your Creator. Let your heart be a sanctuary where His presence is welcomed, cherished, and adored. In doing so, you will find that the overflow of intimacy naturally spills into your service, infusing it with purpose and joy.
May you heed the lesson from Mary and Martha, and may you embark on a journey to intentionally carve out time for the One who desires to know you intimately? As you do, you’ll discover that the most profound impact you can make in the world flows from the depth of your relationship with God. The quiet moments of sitting with Him will prepare you to stand strong and serve well, carrying His love into every corner of your life.
Happy Sunday
Adeolu Akinyemi
