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Martin Luther is reported to have said that he was "too busy not to pray." Unfortunately, for most of us, when our agenda gets too full, time in prayer and God's Word are among the first to go.

Most of us can identify with Martha — at least sometimes. After all, the work has to be done, whether it's meal preparation, planning for tomorrow's meeting, or taking the kids in for their checkups. Even church volunteer work can make us feel "too busy to pray."

Jesus didn't tell Martha that preparing for guests and accomplishing her daily chores was wrong. But He did point out that her extreme busyness, stressful running around, and frustration with her sister Mary wasn't good for her. It affected her personal relationships. If she had to choose between spending her hours on making a gourmet dinner or spending time with her Lord, who was only there for a short time, she'd better not spend all her time in the kitchen.

Choosing to make time to spend with God in prayer and personal devotions is a risk. You might risk criticism about how you spend your time. You might risk leaving something undone that you think is important. But what's more important than time with Jesus, your Savior? (See also Genesis 22: 1-19; 1 Samuel 15: 10-35; Haggai 2: 6-9; Revelation 2: 1-7.)

Good Words to Remember:
Jesus answered and said to her, "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

Today's Challenge:
What time will you choose to spend with God today?

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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