The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday, June 18, 2024, was written by Christine Hay of Scotland, United Kingdom.
Scripture
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
I enjoy watching TV programs where the hosts are invited into people's homes to help them clean. The houses are overflowing with items, causing stress to the families living there. If the family commits to getting rid of half their belongings, the show's team will clean their house, provide new storage solutions, and reorganize each room. It is satisfying to see the joy on the family members' faces when they return to see their "new" home. And when the team visits again a few weeks later, the families are still reaping the benefits of the experience.
I wonder if we are like this spiritually. Are our lives cluttered by many things that hinder our time spent with God? Perhaps we need to cut down on the time we spend on work, leisure activities, social media, and socializing and dedicate more time prioritizing our relationship with God through prayer, Bible reading, and meditation. Let's commit to spending more time with God and see what difference it makes. I think the benefits will be out of this world.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
Gospel recording artist, Jonathan McReynolds, pens a song entitled, "Make Room." The opening lyric state: "I find space for what I treasure. I make time for what I want. I choose my priorities and Jesus you are my number one." Jonathan's song challenges his listener to evaluate if spending time with God is a priority. In today's reflection, Christine echoes the sentiment that spending time with God "through prayer, Bible reading and meditation" are essential to deepening our relationship with God. May we all take time to "make room" for God in ever increasing fashion.
Author's Prayer
Loving Father, help us to take every opportunity to be near to you so that we may grow closer to you and your peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
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