But diversion is not always fun. It can be an agitated mental state from bad news. Before I got up yesterday my hubby told me an email arrived from our granddaughter who has been teaching in another country. She fell and broke her ankle and kneecap, has had surgery on the ankle with pins, and is searching for tickets to come home.
I cannot think of much else. Praying, yes, but distracted by more email and more information and knowing she will arrive in a couple days and need more medical attention and lots of time to heal.
This word is used only once in the NT but distraction is an extension of other words that mean a state of concern, anxiety, burden, daily pressure, troubled. . . .
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38–42)In my situation, the distraction could be like the straw that broke the camel’s back — just another stress in an already too busy life. But not so. I’m feeling her pain, wanting to encourage her and help, etc. The distraction is not concern for me but for her. She lived with us, promised one day to push my wheelchair to repay me, and now we will likely be pushing hers, or at least involved in getting her to where she needs to go.
As for the stress, Jesus offered Martha the solution to her distraction. “Sit with me. Listen to me. Don’t be troubled by all that needs to happen…” He is right and I need to do what He says.
This next passage is about anxiety with principles when I’m anxious for others:
And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life. . . . For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?. . . . Do not be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. (Luke 12:22–31)As well as taking care of physical needs, God cares about spiritual well-being, and I know that He can use this for good in her life. He knows what she needs in her heart and attitude, more than pins and plaster and 24/7 care for a short while, but a long-term trust in Him for all things. He is able to meet physical needs and encourage her to keep her thoughts on His promises as she mends.
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5–7)This is for me and for her. God is with us. We can ask for what is needed, but also be thankful and experience peace — and for both of us, a focused mind.
PRAY: Jesus, this burden is Your burden too. You ask us to cast all our cares onto You — which shows Your willingness to carry them for us. Yet to do that, we need to let You distract both of us from all anxieties, my concerns and our dear granddaughter from her pain and worries. Enable us to just sit at Your feet and hear You speak.
No comments:
Post a Comment