My mom used to wake us up with pots and pans.
My brother and I would be sleeping soundly in our respective rooms, ignoring our alarms and Mom’s best efforts to lure us out of bed to get dressed for school. Eventually, up the stairs she’d come, banging a wooden spoon on a steel pot, or whatever was handy in the kitchen, with a big grin on her face.
Evidently, rest was not a challenge for me when I was younger, no matter how loud life got.
Speaking as the girl who still struggles to wake in the morning, I’m uncomfortable with rest because it means loosening my grip. It means slowing my feet and temporarily, or even permanently, forfeiting my plans. Rest begs me to relinquish control—to cease striving and trust. These reasons are precisely why rest is so key to our call to abide in God and His Word.
Read Matthew 11:28–30. What instructions does Jesus give for finding rest?
Mary of Bethany is my favorite example of someone who rests in Scripture. While her sister Martha scurried around the house, doing what needed to be done, Mary sat at Jesus’s feet. She ceased readying her home, and she even ceased serving Jesus for the opportunity to sit with Him.
Open your Bible to Luke 10:38–42, and read the story for yourself. Do you see yourself more in Mary or Martha? Why so?
When I need written permission to rest in the presence of the Lord, I go to the Psalms. Those poems are like a permanent hall pass when I’m overwhelmed, a doctor’s note to skip class when all my papers are overdue. Read Psalm 119:114. The Hebrew words here for “shelter” and “shield” mean exactly that—a covering. The psalmist runs to Scripture for cover! God’s Word calls us to trust Him by setting our striving aside and acknowledging God as our haven.
Friends, there is nothing we can do with our efforts that our almighty God cannot do by His Word. Likewise, there is nothing you or I can do to negate the truth of His Word. We cannot make it more true, and we cannot make it less true. No, our job is to rest here in its truth.
Tonight my mom came to visit (I haven’t seen her bang any pots or pans lately, but she’s still a champ at relishing). When it came time for her to leave, I watched as the taillights of her car meandered down our gravel driveway. A flicker in the distance caught my eye—countless fireflies dotting the dark treeline along the creek. They looked choreographed yet whimsical, like strings of Christmas lights in July.
I stopped to watch, and I stayed a while. No running, no doing, no striving. Just resting. It was one of the most beautiful and productive parts of my day.
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328 thoughts on "Rest in Truth"
I’m more like Martha than I thought
I am definitely a Martha! I loved this reading because it reassured me it’s okay to slow down and soak things in.
i’m more like martha. i always have so much i think i have to do the list never ends so even when i should be sitting like mary i never do bc im always racing doing other things
I would say I am more like Martha god sees that I am doing the right things in life and changing from being more about the worldly things! Now I follow him
Finding rest is so hard for me. When I do “rest”.. I tend to put a selfish spin and focus on mind tainting things like TikTok. I am going to be working on just being still and being present.
I’m a Martha in my personal and spiritual life. Always thinking it’s my efforts that will make things happen and forgetting that He is in control.
I feel like Martha, always with a never ending to-do list to attempt to check off. It’s hard to relinquish control and test in such a fast paced world. A feeling of guilt usually accompanies rest. I am learning to make time and space for rest and enjoy the quiet comforts that true rest brings.
Thanks Lord for giving us rest! For being our shelter!❤️
I definitely feel like I’m a Martha. I need to find the time to just stay and be
Lord, at this phase of my life, please continue to show me how to simply rest at your feet without getting so frustrated with myself and those around me.
Ooof. This hit close to home.
“Rest begs me to relinquish control” those words jumped off the page.
He is such an awesome, loving God that he would allow us to be like little children in his arms even though we may be decades old. He wants to shelter and care for us so that we feel safe in his word and truth.
I am Martha so hard to stop and rest
When you truly trust in Him, He will give you rest.❤️
I feel a little bit like Martha sometimes when I open my Bible to read. When I start reading there always seems to be something on my mind (and most of the time it’s not something related to the word). But I know no matter what that I can give my burdens over to god and find shelter in his word.
Good reminder that God comes first
I’m more like Martha as well! It’s good to read things and get different perspectives.
I literally said the same
Yes, need this reminder daily.
As much as I hate to admit it, I am more of Martha. When I’m reading this it’s a Sunday afternoon and my family and I are having people at our house after our Sunday evening service. So before I read this, I was running around putting things away (I don’t usually clean on the Lord’s day but I forgot about this room while I was cleaning yesterday) instead of resting and doing my devotions.
Good reminder that anxiety and worry lessens in His presence, and we as a byproduct are better equipped to face our storm of responsibilities
Matthew 11: 28-30 has me in tears
My soul needed this. Diving into the word is a spiritual alignment!
I see myself more in between Martha and Mary. I struggle to rest, but know when it is needed.
This hit home today. A much needed reminder.
I see myself more in Martha but I’m trying to be more like Mary. Right now I’m struggling with feeling guilty and restless when I try and rest. Part of it has to do with when I was growing up resting was looked upon as bad because we always should be doing something.
Yes! This is me too! ❤️
Yes! This is me too!
Rest is so difficult for me, but this was a great reminder. It’s OKAY to rest; be a Mary.
Such an amazing reminder. I am more and more becoming like Mary and had to learn hard how to do that. Rest is not always that easy but actually takes practice and constant reminding, so grateful for this scripture.
Soo good today. I am a Martha but want to strive to become a Mary Resting in the Lord
I rest in the lord
I am Martha, constantly moving.
May I learn to rest joyfully in the word of Jesus.
Day 5 with the Lord. Amen
My kids are older now, 16 and 19. There will always be things you can’t control, especially as your baby develops their own mind and ideas. I found my rest 19 1/2 years ago after naming my son Matthew which means gift of God. It is a daily reminder that God gives us our children, he chooses us to share the gift cause he knows we can do it. He also wants us to keep giving our children back to him, daily, hourly, cause he knows them better than we ever will too. We had to leave our son at the hospital for 3 1/2 weeks as soon as he was born. He was a preemie and couldn’t breathe yet among other things. As parents our lives started with letting go and trusting God and so far, even through some horrible stuff He hasn’t failed us yet. My daughter just celebrated her 16th birthday yesturday, and my son came home to spend the day with her. My husband and I went to bed that night thanking God that he’s still got them in His hands. Hold your baby and sit is Gods loving arms and let Him remind you that he’s got it too for you and your family.
Hmmmmmm what a simple thing that is so challenging!
As a new mom I have so much anxiety about the unknown and the things I can’t control. This was a good reminder that I need to relearn how to rest in the Lord
I’m physically on forced rest right now after an injury – trying to mentally rest has been such a challenge, and trying to spiritually rest in God and the Word has been a huge challenge, too! God has shown me that He is the only place where I truly CAN rest, so I need to turn to Him early and often. As I remember to rest in the Lord, my burden gets lighter day by day
I’m Martha who desires to be Mary.♥️
Martha but desire to be Mary ♥️
What a beautiful thought ❤️
I can find rest in Him
I have been resting in the lord for a while now and my soul feels at peace for the first time In my life. I know true peace and lightness
A shelter and shield for me. Thank you God for this covering❤️
I have to remember to rest in the Lord
❤️ I loved hearing how psalm 119 describes the Word as a shelter.
I often see my time in His Word as a task and not as rest even though every time I walk away from reading I am filled with peace and a renewed energy for life.
I need to always remember to take time out and rest in His Word. I can not be too busy for Him.
This reminds me of a poem that’s in the front of one of my cookbooks.
Kitchen Prayer
Klara Munkres
Lord of all pots and pans and things
Since I’ve not time to be
A saint by doing lovely things or
Watching late with Thee
Or dreaming in the dawn light or
Storming Heaven’s gates
Make me a saint by getting meals and
Washing up the plates.
Although I must have Martha’s hands,
I have a Mary mind
And when I black the boots and shoes,
Thy sandals Lord I find.
I think of how they trod the earth,
What time I scrub the floor
Accept this meditation Lord,
I haven’t time for more.
Warm all the kitchen with Thy love,
And light it with Thy peace
Forgive me all my worrying and make
My grumbling cease.
Thou who didst love to give men food,
In room or by the sea
Accept this service that I do,
I do it unto Thee.
I am a Martha but want to be a Mary
Hall pass! Permission to rest! I am very much a Martha and if I am doing nothing I feel like I’m forgetting something.
Hall pass! Permission to rest!
Lord help me to wait on You, renew my strength
Lord help me to wait on You.
Isaiah 40:31 is my favorite scripture in the bible. And has been since the first time I read it ❤️
Learning rest is so hard
I get so overwhelmed sometimes with things that are so small and it’s refreshing to see it addressed to refocus your life on God. ❤️❤️
So here I am, laid up with COVID. And now I understand that I’ve been Martha. God had to get my attention and now I’m blessed with a week of nothing but time with Him.
My favorite one so far
Resting is one of the hardest things to do with my job
Luke 10:42 stood out to me in reading this one “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about so many things. But one thing is necessary.”
I like to call myself a runner. Do I like running- heck no! I call myself a runner bc I’m always running to things. I’m always running on fumes try to do. I bounce from sleep to food to work to church to food to sleep then I do it all over again. All good things- all things that glorify God. But I often find myself exhausted and burnt out.
Were studying psalms in the current series my church is working on. I completely agree that the poems in psalms are rejuvinating!
This is so fitting to a chapter of my life right now. I’ve been running hard at work, and feel guilty I’m coming up on some time off. Everyone says “earned” time off- but isn’t that just it, I don’t have to earn, I just have to accept the rest He is already offering me. But that’s my largest challenge, just stopping for a moment to turn to Him for rest.
I am grateful that I can find rest in God’s word.
Karen, I agree 100%! We have to be intentional about spending time with Him…that means to me, putting everything else aside and focusing solely on Him and His Word. All distractions, all the things on our to-do list has to be second when we sit down and open His Word.
Such a sweet story, one that’s filled with warmth.
I must be intentional about choosing to spend time with Jesus.
One of my favorite go to verses
“Be still…”
One of my favorite go to verses
The word today was a perfect placed message. Often I know and hear and feel God reminding me to Rest and BE STILL and I am horrible at that. This morning I find myself at peace knowing that God has called all of us to rest not just for the purpose of focus on Him.. but to be PRESENT with Him.
Yes. Finding time to be still and filled with the words of God will give us rest from anxiety and the constant hustle.
So hard to keep myself from half heartedly doing my quiet time because I know I should spend time with the Lord but my mind is occupied elsewhere. So I end up distracted and don’t get a chance to relax and take in those moments to prepare myself before the day starts.
Rest begs me to relinquish control –
I really need to find time to rest more and be less busy so that I can sit at the feet of Jesus
So true especially for a time where there is a lot of family gatherings and meals to prepare and children to get ready and homes to tidy for overnight guests!!
Rest is hard for me too!!
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I’m grateful that there is a God who tells me it’s okay to rest. Who says that we can trust in Him and says He has you. Even in my hardest days if I can remember I can rest in Him… I’ll be okay. Needed this. ❤️
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Rest in His Truth❤️
This is one of those Bible stories that I’ve heard so many different times and listened to so many different sermons about it that I struggle to find something new to apply to my life. Surely it hasn’t all been uncovered for me. God, help me to find something new here
Mary needed to sit at the feet of Jesus and Martha needed to serve Jesus. Neither are sins, I grew up being taught Martha was in the wrong because she was complaining about her sister but Martha didn’t really know what was going on in Marys life and Jesus did.
Beautiful reminder to rest at the feet of Jesus
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A beautiful and timely reminder.
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I very much needed to read this tonight ❤️❤️
My sister is Martha and I am Mary. She does not understand me at all because she has to constantly be moving. I get things done but not how she thinks I should prioritize my life. I pray one day she will be able to be still and rest in him.
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“She ceased readying her home, and she even ceased serving Jesus to sit with Him”
This has really taught me that rest, mentally and spiritually is so crucial. We can rest in His word to give us the strength to keep going. ♥️
“Rest begs me to relinquish control” words that resonated deeply as I read them. I lay in my bed so many nights unable to fall asleep because I don’t relinquish my to do list, my worries, to God. Believing if I stay up one more hour I will figure something out that will change my circumstances. Rest has become I real struggle for me, one that I thought had more to do with time management, and although there may be some truth to that, I know deep within it is relinquishing my control and trusting God. Forgive me Lord.
“Rest begs me to relinquish control” words that resonated deeply as I read them. I sit
I should take more time to rest intentionally. I have a tendency to me a Martha and constantly keep moving with intent to get everything done- but I need to just rest in His Word more often.
Amen. Trying to implement a morning routine to share quality time with God
I’m not good at resting intentionally. This was exactly what I needed to see today. Thank you ♥️
Agreed. This is the best book I’ve read as a young woman 10+ years ago. I always relate to Martha and it need to be intentional to be like Mary!
Currently working on being more of a Mary. Slowing down in life is so hard especially as a college student. But my soul finds peace when I do:)
Reminds me how much I need to STOP and rest in His presence!
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It is so hard to be at peace with rest in today’s world that almost presents the woman with the busiest schedule a Medal of Honor and others strive to be like her. In this you can have it all and do it all society, God tells us, you don’t need it all, all you need is me and you don’t need to do it all, let Me do it for you. The hardest part about taking up Jesus’ yoke is that we need to drop ours in order to do so. Lord God, thank You so much for reminding me that You are more than enough and I can let everything else go and relax.
This has hit straight to my busy striving heart x
Isaiah 40 was good news for this new mom :) and knowing that my rest and “cease striving” start with “coming unto Jesus.”
if you liked this, read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World
Thank you for the recommendation, I’ve just ordered x
Thank you God.
I am definitely a Martha, but I want to be a Mary. So cool that I’m reading this on the day of rest :)
Intentional about being ‘Mary’.
I find myself as Martha. Always anxious and finding things to worry about.
I am becoming Mary and I have never felt this at peace. My mornings are slow as I sit at his feet in his word just taking it in and asking Jesus to open my heart up to his word. It’s honestly my most favorite part of my day.
This is a collection of some of my favorite verses. Such a good reminder!!
I can definitely be a Martha, feeling the need to constantly do for others. I am learning to be more like Mary, and finding rest in scripture, in God’s word. In all life’s turmoils, Jesus is my shelter.
I am stressed with the outcome of my scholarship application. This stress in me is draining my whole being and affected me in many ways. Thought the challenges, I am trusting in His plans and leaning onto our saviour, Jesus Christ. We must learn to lean on Him and ask Him how we could be better through his word.
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I feel like the Martha in me is a constant helper, always wanting to serve those around me. However, when I choose to rest over being busy all the time, I’m so rejuvenated and refreshed. I need to choose rest more without feeling guilty!
I resonate with this so much.
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May I rest on you, Lord and not the trappings of this world. Prayers for all.
I can absolutely be a Martha and my “resting” is not a reveling in the moment but an exhausted “I need to numb for a few moments” to keep my mind from feeling the overwhelm.
A step in the right direction for me to get my priorities straight. Thank you Jesus
Lord help me slow down and rest.
I definitely tend to be a Martha, my husband often has to tell me to rest. Great reminder this morning!
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I definitely tends towards being more like Martha than Mary but I’m working on it!
I am more like Martha, but will strive to be more like Mary ❤️ Jesus, I want to rest in you!
❤️ perfect advice for being in the third semester of pregnancy!
Everyday the message I read is the one that I need to hear that day!
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Yes!
I am reminded in this time to follow Mary not only in that she rested but that she chose the presence of her Saviour to the presence of anything else. To be still to be WITH the Lord.
As I learn to quit overthinking and make every thought submit to Jesus, I am finding that I need to even submit the running To Do List in my head. He is the Lord of my Every Move… even when I am still.
I am so quick to tell my husband it’s okay to take a rest and to just be, but I am not so good about taking that advice myself. I feel there’s always something I need to be doing. Chores to get done, planning to do, food to make, etc. I need to be more like Mary.
Perfectly timed message for me today ❤️
I am so Martha! I want to be more like Mary!
I loved this reading too. I must say I am learning that it is ok to be like Mary of Bethany, especially now.
Wow it would be incredible if I rested in God’s promises as much as I worry about making it happen on my own.
There is productivity in rest
I loved this and today I think I found a deeper message in our word. This chapter was called Rest In Truth…correct? Well when reading about Amanda’s story come close to the end when she started talking about truth and how we can’t change it I related to this. I feel so many Christians (including myself) have all changed God’s word to make the word seem better. This is definitely something I not only wanna work on for me but for God himself.
Same for me today!
Loved this reading !!
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Wow! Needed this today!
After the craziness of this past year, getting so caught up in school, and other things life throws, I am so thankful for these reminders
Loved this
❤️ I needed this .
God knew I needed this desperately today. He knew I’ve been running in circles back and forth. He knew I needed a reminder to be still and rest!
Needed this reminder of not just resting, but that The Word is my refuge.
it’s actually a little funny because yesterday i didn’t open this app ans today i did and it was because i was so caught up with things that were not all that important and reading this made me take a step back and realize that there is time to always come to the lord no matter what, i find myself like martha and mary i will go crazy about cleaning , doing homework, talking on the phone , reminisce about certain things that may not matter but then there are times where i seek for the lord and praise him for all that is happening in my life i think it’s all about balance in life
Its hard work to rest at times
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A reminder to be still and sit with God.
Such a good reminder to be still
Sarah, I believe it means like two oxen would wear a yoke and share the burden of the work, Christ wants to share the burden of life with us! He wants to walk beside us and do life with us, not just when times are tough and we seek Him, but always and through everything. (Just my thoughts!)
Yes!!!
I am trying to not be so much like Martha, and more like Mary.
Yes, me too. I allow all the “tasks” I have to get done take over my mind and thoughts. There is a better way…..thank you Jesus.
What does it mean to take his yoke upon us?
I’ve been such a Martha lately, what a good reminder to just be still and spend time resting in Him. Hallelujah.
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Resting. Trusting. Believing.
I like how the author said resting was the most productive part of her day. Such a good reminder that resting in the Lord’s word is actually the most important thing we should be doing each day
Thank you. A quality that I always saw as a strength (being task-driven) indeed prevents me from just resting in God’s truth x
I’m so enjoying this journey
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Awesome reminder to take a step back, enjoy His word and rest in His promises!
Wow I needed this. As life has turned upside down my inner Martha has taken over. I pray God helps me to be at peace and rest with him more
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My work life balance has gotten a little crazy these days. I’m about to start today with a 4 hour video meeting and this reminder is just what I needed.
It’s so beautiful and wonderful to know that all God wants us to do is to come and sit at His feet. What a loving God we serve!
I always just want to go and go and go. Sometimes God just wants us to sit and rest and enjoy a moment or settle for a while. There are a lot of things going on in the world and taking some space and rest is needed. I need to take more meaningful rest rather than scrolling on my phone.
Thank you for this reminder
I always appreciate reminders to rest. Thank you, Lord, for prescribing rest and renewal for your people.
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Praying for His rest! I too can feel like a Martha, scurrying around with all of my lists. This study is helping to refocus my priorities.
His rest is all I need❤️❤️
How great it is that Jesus Himself is our rest. Doesn’t just provide rest, He is the rest. He is the protection. I’m convicted because I have been like Martha…thinking God is pleased only by what I do. But He wants us to rest in Him. To sit still with Him. Amen!!
Beautiful message. I needed to hear this. ❤
As much as I feel like I love and lack sleep, the true rest for my soul is found when I seek Him and His word, and allow it to fill me. I can find not only quiet serenity, but true rest in the presents of our Lord almighty!! ❤️❤️
So true and so good!
This was what I needed to hear today. Thank you.
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Rest means giving up control. No wonder it’s so difficult.
In this world we get distracted w school, work, problems, even in serving. Our distractions distract us from Jesus. Only one thing is necessary and that is Jesus.
Can I be both a Martha and a Mary? If I had a special guest in my house, I would definitely be a Martha at first. Then once all the dishes were done, I would have a cup of coffee with my guest and give all that I have to them.
“Come to me.”
“Take up my yoke.” – it doesn’t say, I will help you with your yoke. No, He is asking me to lay down my entire yoke completely, and carry his, WITH him (a yoke is for two). THEN I can…
“Learn from me(Him)”
Rest, I am excited to start resting more on Sunday. One thing I plan to fast is social media. But in the world I need recharged and renewed.
Resting has never been a problem for me. Resting In His Word is where I need to shift my attention.
As we start a New Year it is always a great reminder that I need to be more like Mary…less like Martha. Rest is so hard to do but He calls us to do it just like any other task – yet it’s the toughest “task” to do!!
Perfect timing for me to read this at the end of a busy day of overwhelm.
I never give myself permission to rest in fact I feel guilty when I do. Thank the Lord that He is the ultimate giver of rest. I need to draw near and learn from hm.
There is no such thing as an inappropriate time to rest in Jesus. Just woke up from a good night’s sleep? Stop and rest in Jesus to start your day. Freaking out because things aren’t going your way? Stop and rest in Jesus. Over the moon because you recognize how God has blessed you? Stop and rest in Jesus. Peace and perspective is what you’ll receive. :)
What a good reminder that the word of God is not the end goal — rather it‘s meeting the God of the Word! When we take company with Jesus, we find the rest our heavy hearts long for.
I am always in need of being reminded to slow down and rest in the Lords word❤️
This the perfect devotion on the day of “Rest”. I have learned this past week that without physically rest, our ability to function & reason becomes extremely convoluted. And if we attempt to get through our trials on our own abilities, it is certainly a path to destruction. May our Lord help me, as well as my brothers & sisters in Christ, to find rest in his Word every day of the week.
A little behind on this devotional, but this is a perfect sentiment for Sunday, the day of REST. Lord, help me to forget some of the items in the to-do list today, and instead spend more time with you. It will be more fruitful and time well spent!
Rest in Jesus.
There’s hope for us “Marthas”! In John 11 it’s Martha who goes out to meet Jesus and says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:21-22 In that last statement, I see a woman with faith to move mountains. So chin up and trust in that power that brings the dead to life! :)
I am such a Martha!!! I absolutely needed to read this. I always find myself feeling guilty for resting
I can relate to this! Especially during Covid and the lockdowns where I live.
Same girl! I am definitely a Martha. I want to be more of a Mary too.
I’m better than I used to be at taking the time to rest because I know how critical it is for physically, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Being ok with resting mentally is my big task to overcome. Always feel like I should be doing something…wife, mom, teacher, business owner, all done from home so not feeling guilty about my rest time is my next hurdle to work on.
Mary chose the “good portion.” That really stuck with me. How often do I choose busyness when I am giving up time in my Lord’s good word?
Matthew 11:28-30 is my life verse(s) because God constantly must remind me to stop striving. “Just rest, my dear. I’ve got this.”
I needed this. I struggle so much with allowing myself to rest. It almost gives me anxiety to rest because it makes me feel lazy and unworthy. This was much needed today.
Love all of this
Amen
I’m totally a Martha. It’s hard for me to sit and rest. I’m working on on taking time to be still and rest.
This message is so needed, especially at the beginning of a new year when everyone is so focused on what they can accomplish for themselves! Thank you.
Our tendency not to rest is exactly the reason that my husband and I started a Sabbath a couple years ago! We don’t always do it well, but it’s been so helpful to have designated time to slow down and give ourselves permission to rest.
The exchange in Matt 11:28-30 is so beautiful! He gives us peace and rest for our anxiety, worry and overwhelm. 2 things mentioned here, we must come first and take(exchange). Sometimes that’s hard to do because of what’s staring us in the face but this beautiful reminder tells us that it’s so much better and God can do better with it than we ever could. Rest. Love this beautiful reminder. Thank you!❤️
I am definitely more Martha but have been praying for more balance. I need to enjoy the people in my home as well as lovingly serve them.
I have been absent from SRT community for a year or so, but have been staying in His word through other venues. But I remember you, Churchmouse, and your wise comments. It is so good to hear from you again. Thank you for your faithfulness and wisdom. Virtual hugs to you!
What a good reminder that Jesus is GENTLE as he leads and guides us.
Also timely during the holidays!
I needed this this morning. I felt weary and burdened down even as I woke. I’m so glad my Abba understands every feeling and still wants me to come to him. And rest in him.
Me too girl!!
Love this! Thank you for sharing!!
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So so well said CHURCHMOUSE, I love that I have had the ‘vaccine’ all along in Jesus!
I love you friend. Praying blessing galore over you and yours and hoping life is good for you..❤
Mary even ceased serving Jesus for the opportunity to sit with Him. Holy moly i needed to hear that
Wow! I felt this calling to read the Word tonight before heading to sleep. I’m embarrassed to say that I’m a Martha through and through. I needed this word from the Lord tonight and the reminder to slow down, be present, look for the Lord, and relish the moments of stillness in His presence. As a busy mom of littles juggling job and virtual school and all the many things we do as women no matter our unique circumstances I lose sight of slowing down and being still quite often, in fact all the time. I’m so grateful for this devotion today at this moment and I’m so grateful for SRT and the SRT community. It’s a blessing to be able to pick up my phone and have the truth of the Gospel ready for me to read. Praying that for each of you lovely daughters of the King out there in the SRT community that you might pause and truly feel Christ’s presence in your life today and that you might look forward with expectation to the ways that the Lord will stretch and grow and refine you in the coming year. Happy New Year dear faith community if sisters.
I do as well go to my phone and games,my 2021 is to get closer to God and find my strength in him and just make God a priority in my life..
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Rest with God’s word and presence. He will give you a peace of mind and heart.
Yes, Churchmouse, yes!
I strive to be more like Mary this year. Please lift me up in prayer, sisters. My heart needs it tonight.
The line that stuck out to me is that, “my job is to rest in truth”. The Bible says that another name for Jesus is truth (John 14:6), so that line literally means, “rest in Jesus”. I am shooting myself in the foot when I allow my inner Martha to dominate my brain with worries and my time with pointless tasks. I’m choosing to do life the hard way (my way), when I could be going to Jesus and walking away much lighter (Math 11:28-30). I’m ready to be Mary…..
My late grandmother was named Martha, and she was very much a “Martha.” I can hardly recall her resting. Sometimes she would sit in her special chair and read, but she was more likely to be found doing something. “Idle hands are the devil’s playground” was something I was taught growing up. Her doings usually involved taking care of others. At family gatherings, her 8 children would take turns saying “Mom, sit down.” I think as women, and as mothers we are wired to “do”. The quarantine of 2020 forced me to be Mary of Bethany. No one was coming over. I wasn’t going anywhere. I was forced to “rest” more often. It’s still not in my nature. I am like my grandmother in many ways, but I am trying to make more of an effort to be present around others instead of busying myself with cleaning up or serving,
I realize that I am a Martha. I’ve known it for a while. But I’ve had no idea, and am still learning how to just rest in the peace of God. I feel myself softening, becoming more hopeful again. I just want to be close to my Father again. I know He’s never left me, but I’ve forgotten who He is, what His presence feels like. I’m praying so hard that I can come before him boldly once again. ❤
Thanks I’m going to check it out❤️
Me too! It is so important to rest and be in the presence of the Lord
Thanks for the podcast recommendation! I just subscribed and will take a listen soon.
Praying I can create space to rest at the feet of my friend Jesus more in this new year. ❤️
For anyone struggling to find rest I totally recommend listening to the Fight Hustle, End Hurry Podcast. Really changed my way of thinking about rest and helped me to become more comfortable giving up power and abiding in His Presence
Slowing down and resting is so hard at times. My minds seems to race even when I am asleep. I pray the Lord helps me learn to rest with him
How powerful and merciful Jesus’s response was to Martha when she had a bit of resentment for her sister Mary. I too understand this resentment when being left alone with all the work. But look how gracious Jesus was, He said there is one thing needful, even more needful than serving Him, is LISTENING to Him. He took off the burden from Martha. He commends Mary for sitting at His feet (notice the proximity is very very close). Truly he does not look for us to be burdened with serving him as much as listening to Him with full attention. How many times have I been troubled greatly with serving at church, with practicing worship songs, and prepping refreshment and etc. and not make room in my heart to listen to sermon and receive the Word. Performance-based mindset is not needful to the Lord. May we discern sharply what our priority is, to overcoming distractions to draw closer to His feet. May we not accept the unnecessary burden in order to leave all things behind to draw close and listen to His Word.
Love this! I find myself being Martha most of the time. Definitely an area I need to work on. I love that His word specifically says to trust Him and rest in Him.
Happy new year everyone!
Yes and amen!
Wow, just this morning I wrote “This year I won’t focus on what I havn’t done or accomplished, but what I HAVE done!” I too have a challenging time waking up in the morning, even with a 10mos old who loves to rest (or allow her mama to rest), so I feel these words of slowing down and still not leaning towards Martha, but truly sitting at His feet, like Mary, and truly relishing that.
I find comfort in doing things more often than not. I like to check all my boxes so to speak. But I am becoming more comfortable with this notion of rest as I get older. It is in the quiet of times that I hear God whisper. May we all find rest in the truth of scripture this year. Happy New Year my friends!
For many many years I ran like Martha . I am humbly seeking significantly to be more like Mary .
Resting & rising in Crazy Wild Faith @ JESUS feet Abiding in ABBA & ABBA abiding in me is where I want to be !
I am professing JESUS spoken words “Talitha Cumi – Mark 5 . New Beginnings immediately in 2021 & ahead ! I honor & thank you SRT Platoon & every women in my life ! xoxo ♥️♥️
I definitely worry about too many things like Martha, and I admit that I didn’t always allow myself to rest at the feet of Jesus. Since starting this study, I’m being reminded of my daily need to be with Jesus. What I find so remarkable about Matthew 11:28 is Jesus simply telling us to “Come.” He doesn’t ask anything from us, and he just asks for our presence. Thank you Lord for wanting me even though you know the depths of my being, and continue to teach me how to rest in you.
2020 started with my retiring from a career that kept me in constant mentally motion. This year, I have learned to slow down and mentally rest. As one that feels that there is always something that needs to be done, it has been a challenge for me to learn to rest. I can confidently say, with the grace of God, he has shown me how rest is renewal. My life now is peaceful and I take the time to enjoy the small moments in life. I so love this SRT family and appreciate Amanda, Rachael and their staff as well as the writers that contribute their love of our Father. Looking forward to 2021 and growing in God’s Word with you.
Amen
I am definitely a Martha. For too many years I found my acceptance and worth in how hard I was working. I have finally realized it is ok to rest and my value is in Him not in my effort to “do it all”.
I think I’m really am a Martha but I pray this year to rest as Mary did in the presence of Jesus
Rest can be so hard for me. I definitely feel like a Martha that feels I need to do to serve God or I’m not doing enough. Having God’s permission to slow down and rest is a comfort.
Lord help me to welcome in a new year by being in Your Word more and spreading Your Word more in my actions and by what I say. Be by my side as I struggle through the hardships and praise You in the joyous times. Never let me forget You are by my side 24/7. Help me to be more like Mary. Amen.
Sisters, I did a great study: “Having a Mary Heart In a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life” by Joanna Weaver. It is on Kindle and Audiobooks, also. The author also has another book out that I haven’t read yet but friends have told me it is just a good, “Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out.” Happy New Year to all my SRT sisters and have a blessed weekend.
I believe I am Martha more often and I have come to realize that it is because I fear intimacy in all my relationships… including my relationship with Christ.
I have a word each year and I love the idea of getting a tangible item to signify that! I need to think on this. My word is purpose…a little challenging.
Over the past several years I have been learning to be more like Mary. Each year I pray about a word to focus on. 2019 was trust,2020 was hope, and 2021 the word given to me is purpose. Without the foundation of trust in God’s character or learning to put my hope in Him alone, I could easily see me flipping into a “Martha-state” with the word purpose. Instead, He has been laying a foundation through His truth to enter this year with active rest; “trusting” which leads to “strength to soar, run, and walk,”like Isaiah 40:31 says, for His glory and my good. Here’s to a New Year in His Word and communion with one another!
As I began reflecting on 2020 about a week ago, I began seeking words to anchor myself to in 2021. I wanted to have a word that brought me back to scripture, to allow me to refocus my thoughts and intentions in this new year. I jotted about 5 words down, but “rest” stood out to me the most. Although 2020 presented many opportunities to rest (at home), I failed to do so. My mental health took a turn and anxiety crept in. “Rest” is my word for 2021 and I hope to rest in the truth that Jesus shares in his Word. I was thrilled to see that “rest” was today’s topic! Here’s to a restful new year!
2020 guidelines and changes have forced me to rest! To enjoy my time with my husband and family. But mainly, to relish my time spent with Jesus! Working from home has been a blessing and shown me that tasks can be completed without all the hurry and stress.
And now we are given a new year. Welcome 2021!
I know I am a Martha more often than not. Today in the verses you chose I could hear Jesus saying Come, Take and Learn. Come if burdened, Take His yoke instead of one I have placed on myself or others have laid on me. Learn from Jesus how to be in life.
Then you went to verses in Luke with Martha and Mary. Martha was trying to put a yoke on Mary and she had already let Jesus put His on her.
I want to stride more with Jesus and not strive in this world. May this be a year of more of Jesus
Brought to tears by Luke 10. Thanks be to God, indeed. ❤️
I definitely relate more to Martha. Especially dealing with anxiety. It’s time to rest!
I think “rest” is the theme of the start to my new year. Even down to the new pillow I bought. I hope you all get some true rest this year❤️
I have been a Martha for a long time. Never being able to rest, always running kids from activity to activity, running my travel business at nearly all hours of the day and then the shutdown happened. I no longer had activities to take kids to or really a business to run. It forced me to slow down and rest. 2020 brought me closer to Jesus than ever before and for that, I am eternally grateful. I have truly enjoyed this season of rest and diving into God’s Word every single day. Most days, I just can’t get enough of His Word! I now just love resting at the feet of Jesus and can’t imagine going back to my daily hustle and bustle.
What a powerful message! If 2020 taught us anything, it’s the importance of rest and trusting the Lord in the unknown. If we secured our hopes in His word instead of our political leaders or bosses, I believe we would find such peace.
My word of the year is ABIDE. to remain connected to the vine and look for reminders and instructions on how to abide at the feet of Jesus and his word. I’m not a NYE girl much anymore but have begun to celebrate NY day! I love how God has established new beginnings in our lives and fresh starts. He knows how quickly we grow weary and fizzle out but I loved the scripture that he never grows weary and if when we abide in him he will renew us! Feeling renewed and ready to abide in him and trust him whatever the world brings me I know where I belong and can rest in him to handle it. Happy New Year SRT sisters!!
I have always been Martha. My life changed when I started making time for Jesus. It is my favorite time of the day. I feel a sense of hope for 2021. Waiting on the vaccine for my son. He will be in group 2. Life will become a little more open for us. Praying he can be in the Stem Cell Transplant trial. I always believed there would be a cure or better treatments. God answered that prayer. As for 2020, I too had to turn off the news. I became so anxious. Going to keep that practice going into 2021. Happy New Year ladies.
I’m definitely a Martha. I think I stay busy for fear of what will happen when I rest. When I rest I have time to think, and when I think, I worry, and when I worry, I fall apart. I know God wants to meet me in my worry and bring me the rest that only He can bring. It’s only when I set aside the busyness that I can hear Him. And although it’s not always comfortable, His grace covers me and He calms my heart in only a way He can.
amen!!!!
I agree that Martha often gets a bad rap for this one incident. Jesus loved them equally. I think we need to have a balance of both. In this particular incident Jesus was inviting Martha to rest, not telling her what she was doing wrong. When we are running around spinning our wheels he doesn’t shake his finger at us, he invites us to quiet our minds and focus on him. When I sit at the feet of Jesus first, then I am able to get up and accomplish what needs to be done. There is a time and a place for both.
The titles of these days are so encouraging to me. Rest in the truth. Come to the truth. Who is our God? Everlasting God. Creator of whole earth.
Never grow faint or weary and when you compare that to Jesus’ reminder in Matthew to come to him, all who are weary and burdened…
I am reminded that, just as Jesus reminded Martha, the good choice is to sit at his feet. Take his yoke upon myself(it’s not a burden).
Learn from Jesus. He is gentle. He gives strength to the weary and powerless. He’s also our shield.
And I will find blessed rest for my soul, in the truth.
Amen
Although I’d rather not be – I am such a Martha! I do not know how to rest. Not that Martha was bad, she always seems to get a bad rap. But it was very hard for her to not be “doing”. I find it’s the same for me. I spend my time in the morning with the Lord, but then I’m off – as if to the races! I feel guilty if I sit, guilty if I’m not “doing”, guilty for taking “me time”. But the scripture makes it so clear, resting is good, resting is not bad, resting is needed. Please pray with me that as the new year approaches I, as well as any other ladies who need to, will indeed learn how to rest and quietly sit before the Lord. ❤️
Happy New Year! Praying for peace and hope and light to cover us …
Thanks be to God for the chance to live to see this brand New Year 2021! I am taking this opportunity to breathe and bask in His fullness and I will allow myself to rest in Him. My dedication to reading His truth is one of my greatest responsibility and I am praying that I get to do it daily and not out of convenience. God deserves my praise, my worship and I deserve to know more about Him, read His truth and obey His Commandments.
The story in Luke really hits home, and honestly shows that resting is okay, especially resting in His truth.
Thank you Churchmouse! Wishing all you a Blessed, Happy and Healthy New Year.
I love that. I may need to steal it!
I’m a recovering Martha! When I was teaching it would take a full week of summer to “settle down”. Now in my senior years I’m also purposely sitting on sidelines at church. It’s hard for us Marthas! But God, he loves us too and gives us rest and peace in our own ways. Happy New Year
Yes, this impressed me, as well.
I am more of a Martha. Nope my room is not spic-and-span, but when I get home from work (when I am working as I’ve been off for almost 2 weeks for Christmas break), it’s hard for me to sit down.
A lot of times at work and on my way home, I’m already thinking about what I need to do when I get home. Dinner. Chores. Phone calls. My first week off I made myself rest and not rush out the door to go for a run or errands. I slept in as much as I could, spent time at Jesus’s feet longer without having to rush out the door and it was wonderful. Boundaries. I set boundaries with myself allowing myself to physically rest but mainly in my Jesus! Now if I could only be more of a DOER of His Word. I mess up daily.
During all of 2020 and everything it brought I have kept my eyes on Jesus. I quit watching the news and all the negativity. I quit following news outlets and negative people on social media. If 2020 did anything it made my focus on Christ all the more stronger. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is in control of everything no matter what we may try to do or not do. My life is in His hands. I’m not to live carefree, He has given me wisdom to use in my life but I’m not to live in fear either. He is my sustainer and the lifter of my head. I love him today more than I did yesterday and pray I love him more tomorrow than I do today. I absolutely adore the community of women and followers of Christ. Happy New Year you beautiful women. May our Heavenly Father continue to bless each and everyone of us.
I noticed this past year that I have become more like Martha. I actually once justified her saying “if you can multi task and yet get it all done, why not?” . Conviction is a gift because I can look at the year ahead and think I need to rest more on my Lord
When I lay it all down at the feet of Jesus and completely trust Him, oh the peace that comes to my soul. In my Martha moments I believe God has been teaching me to pray and think on the scripture He gives me and then I am still resting in Him as I work and His joy is with me. I have been reading Everyone Always, by Bob Goff. In this, God gave me my word for 2021 – With, Emanuel, God with us. Jesus came and in faith He walks with us. Looking back on 2020, in all the hard things, He was always with me. In Bob’s book he encourages and shows what it is like to be “with” others to show Jesus love and join in the hard things and the joy filled things. This is my prayer to bring Jesus love and be with those He brings me to this year, and for me to realize in all the moments it is about Him, His grace, peace joy, forgiveness and unfailing Love. Praising God for this New Year and His faithfulness. Asking His blessings for you all this year and that you know He is With you in 2021.
It’s been tough to find rest and relinquish the desire to be in control of everything. This year will be about finding rest and trusting in His word.
My focus for 2021 is Peace, in all forms and fashion. I strive to attain the peace of Christ, through basking in His Presence and sitting at His feet.
Needed this! Thank you
So thankful to have found She Reads Truth! I want to stop my Martha ways and be a Mary. I need to learn to rest in Him and His presence daily.
In 2020 I can honestly say I sat more at Jesus feet. I am a doer. A server. A Martha. Soo sitting doesn’t come naturally.
Today in 2021 I yearn to continue to sit at Jesus feet (Actively sitting) as I shift my gaze slowly from the walk to the manager to the walk with Jesus to the cross ♰.
Calm is one on my 2021 words ….. to find calm and rest and peace in each day
I am more like Martha and feel a sense of guilt or “what’s wrong with me” when I rest. Thankful for today’s message. ❤️
This is exactly what I needed. So perfect to start out 2021. I want to be more like Mary, slow down, rest, sit and listen to Jesus.
Right there with you!
Since my childhood this has been my way of comfort and security: visualizing myself snuggled deep in the lap of our Father. He is so good to take us in for rest and strengthen us for ministry in our daily lives. May the rest and renewal of our Lord surround each one in the new year. To God be the glory in all things!
I have been the Martha for a while but even since I found myself coming to God and really digging into his word, I have found myself more relax and like Mary ❤️
Trying to remember that not everything is a competition and that my idea of rest is different from others.
For so long I’ve been a Martha, but this year, I’m praying to be a Mary. I want to rest at Jesus’ feet and take in everything He is offering through his word! I’ve been weary the past couple months, but my word for 2021 is confidence. I have confidence the Lord is guiding me in the way He wants me to go. ♥️
I’ve always been a Martha. Every day, with the Lord’s help I endeavor to rest and stay in His presence. It’s the only way to true peace. May we all be guided to be more like Mary this year.
God is speaking to me in this. Rest is surely something I am being called to this year.
Rest is my word for 2021. I will rest in Jesus’s finished work and living and active Word
More of a Martha but praying this year. I can learn to be more like Mary. And truly rest in Christ. Psalm 119:114 and seek shelter in the scriptures when life gets tough.
“One thing is needed…” ❤️
I am most comfortable as a Martha, but cherish my Mary moments as well. The teacher in me tends to bring out the Martha. The maternal-mom part resonates strongly with the Mary. Peter’s impulsiveness, Paul’s stubbornness, and even John’s deep familial love bond with Jesus, also resemble who I am, or have been. Whether I am operating as a Mary, Martha, Peter, Paul, John or similar to some other Bible mentor God’s Word introduces me to, I am also always Angie. God’s daughter, His little lamb (or fully grown sheep). The one who listens for His voice and longs to follow. Imperfect yet loved. In the care of my Shepherd, I find rest. Under the authority of my King, I dwell. His armor upon me, secure but not heavy. His yoke easy. Because of Jesus. Thank you LORD. Amen.
Thank you Lord for knowing exactly what I needed this 1st day of the Year.
You are so right Churchmouse, as we already have the one true “vaccine” we need in Jesus. ✝️❤️ I will rest in this in 2021. I am very shy in posting on SRT but felt inspired by you to step outside my comfort zone and say thank you for this.
Just remembered why I have been struggling with worship, I play keys for our church, i have started striving again. Thanks for the reminder to rest.
Growing up with a mentally ill parent, we were shamed for being lazy whenever we weren’t doing exactly what she wanted, (which could be some bizarre things, like cleaning out drawers at midnight). I carried that irrational idea into my adulthood… that rest in any way was bad and shameful. As I’ve healed, I have found great peace and solace in resting in the Lord. I picture myself crawling into His lap and being snuggled in by His wings. Thank you for this reminder to begin the new year! Rest and peace in Him to all of you!
Rest=trust. Lord, help me to trust You!
Thank you for reminding me that sitting at Jesus’ feet is more important than — and even essential to — serving Him!
Love this. Going to the beach today and I felt guilt when I saw how much laundry I needed to do and my house a mess, but we will just rest and play on the beach and it will be so fun!
Importance of rest in the Lord…
What a wonderful reminder for the start of a new year. The Lord never grows weary. May my habit be to seek rest in his presence in 2021.
Great reminder of reading in Him!!
A great “turn the page” reminder for starting a new year. We could all use a little rest. The rest that Jesus gives. I am definitely more a Martha kinda girl, but pray to be more like Mary.
Great way to start the new year!
2020 was (past tense!) a paradox. Life for me slowed way down yet I often felt like I was running. On any given day anxiety about Covid and how it could impact my family would rise and fall without notice. I leaned on Scripture and prayed long and hard. But I read and watched too many news reports. For my mental and emotional health, I had to take a sabbatical from social media and the daily news. Rest returned. Less news gave way to more Scripture. Peace settled over me. December came with the beginning availability of a vaccine. My husband, a physician, received his first dose. (The second will be given next week.) I’m in category 1C because of my health issues so I will receive the vaccine sooner rather than later. The light at the end of the tunnel is literally a shot in the arm.
As I was praying in the final hours of 2020, it dawned on me that I already have received the most effective “vaccine.” When I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior I became vaccinated against the power of sin and death. I’m vaccinated against condemnation. I’ve been declared “not guilty.” I’m vaccinated against an untimely death because God numbers my days. I’m vaccinated against fear because every one of God’s promises are mine. I’m vaccinated against death because I have eternal life guaranteed. And one day my family will be in heaven with me. Blessed assurance!
All of us who are Jesus followers will have a good new year because He is already there. Just as He was in 2020. I may have lost sight of His presence from time to time but He never lost sight of me. I rest in Him. I pray you do also.
This year was definitely weary…perhaps I’ve finally learned to come to Him for rest. Thankful for the reminder to slow down.
I was going to say ‘it’s a woman thing’
What a great way to start a new year – remembering to rest in Him. It’s so easy for me to see things that need to be done, and feel like I NEED to take care of them in the moment, but that’s not always true. Here’s to remembering to rest in Him this year.
Happy New Year ladies!
Oh Cassie, as a mo. I always was Cassie, now I am a balanced combo I get everything ready, I keep it simple, and then I can rest with a peaceful mind.
I need to rest more in His peace and presence daily.
The context in Isaiah around 40:31 is beautiful!! God’s got us covered!
I love those verses in Matthew. I, too, am prone to being stubborn with my control. But when I find that true rest in Jesus, peace overwhelms my soul. I find I am able to do all that he asks of me!
What strikes me about Mary is that she’s focused on Jesus while Martha is distracted by chores. I’ve been preoccupied with various distractions these days, some under the guise of productivity, but plenty that is neither productive nor truly restorative.
I would love to give up my “Martha side” and rest at Jesus feet. I pray that the Lord will teach me so.
I definitely need to rest more in His presence on a daily basis.
Such a beautiful reminder. I am more like Martha, I feel like I need to do everything I can. But I definitely need to learn to rest in His presence daily.