A Modern Day Martha

 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things (Luke 10:41 KJV).

Sometimes I believe the Lord looks down on me from above, shakes His head, and declares (and I’m paraphrasing here): “Honey, you really need to calm down.” I, like a modern version of the encumbered sister Martha, often find myself worrying over a great many things. 

There is little doubt that there is a lot to worry over in day to day life. There are larger scale concerns such as inflation or simply the economy in general, countries at war, and potential for health crises, or the “smaller” things of life like a busted water pipe in your home or unexpected car repair. The list could easily go on and on, but instead of thinking about all the things we have to potentially worry over, I want to share with you something that the Lord showed me recently that made me really stop and rethink my thought processes regarding worry.  

One day, while driving to work, I began to think about how often I put my faith into inanimate objects every single day without even so much as a second thought. I sit on a couch or chair without fear that it will hold and support me. I put a key into a lock without a doubt that it will turn and allow me access into a room. I lay in my bed each night without worrying if it will collapse and send me crashing onto the ground. While I know it may seem a little silly and incredibly simple, thinking about it made me begin to realize that if I can so easily place my trust in a piece of wooden furniture, how much more should I put my trust in God to take care of me and my needs. If I can have faith in the miniscule things in my daily life, then I should have faith in the bigger things too.

Jesus tells His followers in Luke 12:24 to “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Birds are a marvelous example of God’s love and care for His creation. Recently, I noticed how chubby the robins around my home were. God is obviously providing for them greatly for them to be so happy and rotund! And, as Jesus stated, how much more will God provide for you and I as His creations, His beloved children, those who are far above the birds of the air? 

It is easy to worry. Incredibly easy. But rather than behaving like a modern day Martha, strive to be aware of the faith you utilize every day in the simple things, and use that as a reminder of God’s care to stave off worries. When you sit on a chair, think about how God will provide support for you far greater than that offered by a piece of furniture. The next time you see a bird enjoying a tasty meal, remember that God will provide for you in the same way. God loves you deeply, and He is invested in you and your life. He is there to help you, no matter what may happen, in the big and small areas of life.