MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT MATTERS MOST
Our outlook on life changes when we center our life on what matters most: getting God's Word inside of us and looking unto Jesus, the One who went all the way to Calvary to die for us. God deplores needless waste of time or moments often spent carelessly, entertaining the wrong things. In other words, refuse to live a life without purpose this season, rather make the most of what matters most.
Reference: Luke 10:41-42 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV) 'And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'
In thoughtful reference to the above Scriptures, Mary made space for what matters most. Her respect for the presence of our Lord Jesus by sitting at His feet, signifies 'submission to the guidance of the Holy Spirit'. Her readiness to receive His word, signifies her maintained focus over distraction, worries, and momentary lapse of concentration. It also indicates her insatiable desire for divine wisdom.
The value we assign to our 'time' is tangled up with what we treasure the most. Most of us today spend time at home, considering the situation of things in the world. As we enjoy home, just like Mary and Martha, there are many objects and irrelevant matters that will demand and excite our attention in our various families, but the presence of Jesus needs to remain activated in our homes just like Jesus visited them at home. As busy as home can become with household affairs, Mary did not neglect the one thing needful: The very presence of Jesus. The presence of God is needful and essential to our safety and sustenance.
To make the most of what matters, make room for prayer on a daily basis. It is simply an honest conversation between you and God and it's a great discipline to apply during this season. God is the answer to all the problems we see, and His presence in our lives will make all the difference through prayer. Becoming a person who prays often and effectively requires consistent practice. You might say, 'I find it difficult to pray, let alone pray for long.' Do you know that you can get started by committing at least 15 to 20 minutes of each day to prayer and then practise it until you overcome prayerlessness? Yes you can!
Another way to keep abreast of potentially helpful truth and revelation from God is by spending time in His Word. God's presence is so evident in His Word that studying it carries an atmosphere that can help you stay attuned to God's voice, if you mindfully cultivate it. This season, as you dwell in His Word and reflect on His sacrificial love, nothing shall separate you from the love of Christ, and partaking in that love.
God already modeled what true sacrifice looks like when He gave up His greatest treasure (Jesus) for us on the cross. That's what we're reminded of today, being the Good Friday. However, leading up to Resurrection Sunday, be encouraged to spend timely moments each day, seeking the face of God and thinking back on what He's already done for you.
Like Mary did, create time and space in the midst of your responsibilities to participate in the divine experience and keep your gaze on Jesus, the One that matters most in your life. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) reads, 'You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.' Therefore, do not allow anxious cares and intricate network of distracting activities to engross your attention to the point of missing the Lord's presence in your home.
Scripture Reading - Proverbs 2:2-5; Psalm 90:12; Luke 21:34; Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 3:2.
Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are very precious to me and I honour you today for granting me a heart that seeks you above everything else. You assured in your Word that your eyes search the whole earth to strengthen those whose minds are stayed on you and whose hearts are fully committed to you. With all the turmoil and rising challenge in the world, I constantly nurture your presence in my home and family, thereby reminiscing the impact of Christ's sacrifice and unconditional love for me, in my personal times with you in Jesus' Name, Amen!
