Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World

Psalms 126

Psalm 126 is a community song of trust or confidence that skillfully employs metaphor to proclaim God as the one who brings joy out of sorrow, laughter out of tears, and good out of evil. It carries a powerful message of hope, telling us that times of trouble and sorrow do not last, and that God will turn our sorrow to joy and our tears to laughter. The theme of restoration is knitted together with rejoicing in this psalm, creating one of the grandest, most eloquent lyrical prayers in the Psalter.

Illustration: There was a man who had just planed his crops; the storms came the lightning flashed, and a fire burned his fields to charcoal black, as he walked through the burned charcoal grounds, he stumbled onto a black substance on the ground. Oil was discovered, but if the storms had not come, if the winds and lighting had not come he would not have the precious discovery.

The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Though chosen, rescued, and promised, God’s people suffered through severe consequence for their continual rejection of Him and His covenant. Ezra read from God’s Word and recited His Law to the people (recorded in Nehemiah 8), and they were shattered by the vast disobedience and rebellion. “Their exile was severe, both in its brutality and how it burned into the minds and identity of the people. Who were they without the land, without the temple? How do they relate to God now? Was their special relationship also lost,”

Even still, God was willing to rebuild and restore His people. Gilson writes, “The day God reaffirmed to them that they were still his chosen people, and he was still their God. That is a joy that could impart strength.” His love leveled them then as it humbles us now, to consider the New Testament sacrifice of God’s only Son for our own personal restoration through salvation. This Psalms is a record of their Joy on being delivered by God to return home to Jerusalem.

Joanna Weaver’ book: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: The phrase "having a Mary heart in a Martha world" refers to the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, in the Bible. Mary chose to sit in Christ's presence, while Martha was busy with the demands of the world. The story offers guidance and grace for those who feel guilty for not doing enough, but struggle to slow down their hearts and mind.

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit:

The meaning of joy as a fruit of the Spirit refers to the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is described as a command for believers to rejoice always, reflecting a deep-seated happiness that is not dependent on circumstances. The Greek word for joy, "chara," signifies a profound sense of delight and is a testimony of Jesus' work in the lives of believers, even amidst challenges. Joy is the natural reaction to the Holy Spirit's influence in a believer's life, showcasing the character traits cultivated by the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is one thing to have the Holy Spirt in your heart, but it is another to be filled up by the Holy Spirit each day. We have two options: to live by the flesh or to live by the Spirit. (Romans 8:4-6) The evidence of the Spirit in the life of a Christian is fruit. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. Our joy is a testimony of the work of Jesus in our lives and a witness to the unbelieving world around us.

Just as fruit must endure harsh conditions, be pruned, and face struggles to reach its full potential, Christians too must fight for their fruitfulness in a world that rejects God and the truth of the Gospel. Living out our faith in a society that doesn’t love Jesus requires perseverance, bold faith, and the willingness to endure hardship. Spiritual growth and fruitfulness are not automatic; they demand resilience in the face of opposition, and the courage to stand firm in truth, no matter the cost.

In nature, fruit doesn’t simply appear—it goes through a rigorous process. The seed must be planted, the plant must struggle through soil, weather, and pests. Pruning is necessary to remove dead parts so the plant can grow stronger, and even after it blooms, it has to continue enduring tough conditions until it ripens and becomes fruitful. A fruit tree that doesn’t face resistance cannot bear fruit. It must fight through obstacles to fulfill its purpose. This sounds like John 15:2. (“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”)

Just like fruit, Christians must go through struggles to not only grow in our faith but on our Christian walk. The Bible tells us that trials are a necessary part of our spiritual journey. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Growth in Christ often comes through testing and refining.

The Jews had been in captivity for 70 years, now coming home. They could not believe it, it was like a dream come true. Their mouths were filled with laughter, they were singing, the were joyous. They celebrated Jehovah as he had turned their captivity around, They had sowed in tears but now they reaped joy, when they got to Jerusalem; opposition was waiting, the walls were down, Zerubabul had been halted, but God sent Nehemiah along, who at one point remarked that I am doing a good work and I cannot come down. The world wants you and me to come down. Stay up don;t come down as the joy of the Lord is my strength.

He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Jesus would not come down as he said for this cause came I into the world. He died that day, and he rose on the third day. Let us fight through Jesus Christ to maintain our Joy.