The Better Part: Being In Presence

The Better Part: Being In Presence…

When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister Mary wasn’t helping in the preparations and just sitting at his feet, the Lord gave an interesting answer. He tells her that only one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen the better part.

It’s truly thought-provoking how Jesus responded to Martha’s very practical concern. In the midst of all the demands of hospitality, He gently steered her focus toward something deeper, something eternal.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.  Psalm 95:2

You’re right, when we list our needs, they often revolve around the tangible aspects of life. But Jesus highlights a singular necessity: being in His presence.

Digging a little deeper, consider the context. Jesus wasn’t dismissing the importance of practical help; after all, He often benefited from the care and generosity of others. However, in that moment, He was revealing a profound truth about human existence.

Our deepest longing isn’t ultimately for comfort, security, or even accomplishment but for connection with our Creator. Mary, by choosing to sit at His feet and listen, was prioritizing that fundamental need. She was soaking in the very source of life and truth.

This wasn’t a passive inactivity but an active engagement of her heart and mind with the divine. It speaks to a truth that resonates even today: in the busyness of life, we often neglect the one thing that truly nourishes our souls. This “better part” isn’t just a pleasant pastime; it’s the foundation upon which everything else should be built.

When we prioritize His presence, our perspectives shift, our priorities align, and we find a deeper sense of peace and purpose that worldly pursuits can never offer.

Heavenly Father, in the quiet of this moment, we acknowledge Your profound truth. Forgive us for the times we’ve allowed the urgent to overshadow the essential – the precious gift of Your presence. Help us to cultivate a hunger for that deeper connection, to carve out space in our days to simply be with You, to listen to Your voice, and to know Your peace. May we, like Mary, choose the better part, recognizing that in Your presence is fullness of joy. Amen.

You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. Let us live as though this truth – the paramount importance of being in God’s presence – is indeed a matter of life and eternal life.

Walk daily with God at your side

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼